Wednesday’s Woman: St. Irmina

The Basics: Birth date uncertain; died about 710 or 720 in what is now France; canonized pre-congregation; feast day, December 24; woman religious.

The Story: Irmina’s life was proceeding the way one might have expected of a king’s daughter; she was to marry a count named Hermann, whom she apparently loved. But shortly before the wedding, one of

Hermann’s attendants who also loved Irmina lured Hermann to a cliff. The attendant then grabbed Hermann and plunged both men to their deaths. Irmina’s father agreed to her request that she become a woman religious in the tragedy’s aftermath. Later, she was among those who provided the resources for the Echternach Monastery in Luxembourg, which remains a popular tourist attraction today. Irmina shares this feast day with her sister Adela, who became a woman religious after the death of her husband.

Irmina’s Wisdom: When her father offered to find her a husband after Hermann’s death, she responded: “I will have a husband not only richer and nobler, but the richest and noblest–the Lord of all lords.”

What We Can Learn from Irmina: The saddest events in our lives can bring us closer to the Lord. Talk with God about a tragedy or disappointment you have experienced. How can it enrich your faith and service?

To Learn More About Irmina: Check out more of her story in Agnes B.C. Dunbar’s Saintly Women, published in 1904 (available for online review via Google Books). Also, Echternach is home to Europe’s only remaining “hopping procession,” which occurs the Tuesday after Pentecost. Learn more about the procession.

To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.