The Basics: Circa 980 in Slovenia; died June 27, 1045, in Austria; canonized June 27, 1930, by Pius XI; feast day, June 27. Noblewoman and philanthropist.
The Story: Hemma learned that God was the only one she could count on. Her nobleman husband owned a mine, and the couple’s two sons were killed by disgruntled workers. While her husband wanted to kill everyone involved in the uprising, Hemma guided him down a different path, to carefully look into the matter and punish only those directly responsible for the deaths. Her husband later was killed after making a Roman pilgrimage. Hemma went on to use her wealth to help the needy and found churches and monasteries, including one to which she retired, apparently as a lay sister, late in life.
What We Can Learn: Life is precious and uncertain. Today, show someone you care for just how much you love him or her.
To Learn More About Hemma: Check out Gurk Cathedral, which includes a shrine and her crypt, or the Hemma pilgrimage site.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
