Saint Hemma

Hemma of Gurk, also known as Emma of Gurk (c. 980 – 29 June 1045), was a noblewoman and Fürstin who lived during the early medieval period in what is now Austria. She founded several churches and monasteries in the Duchy of Carinthia, contributing significantly to religious life in her region. Hemma's legacy endures through Gurk Cathedral, where she was buried until 1174. The Church recognized her sanctity with a beatification on 21 November 1287 and canonization by Pope Pius XI on 5 January 1938. Her feast day is celebrated on 27 June, marking the date of her death. Hemma is venerated as a saint by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, and she is also the patroness of the current Austrian state of Carinthia.