St. Emma of Lesum

St. Emma (also known as Hemma) was born in what is now Bremen, Germany in the late 10th century to the Immedinger family, a noble Saxon family who fought against Charlemagne. She married a Saxon duke and they had one son, who would go on to be bishop of Paderborn. 

It was said that she had a violent temper when she was young.  But in 1011, Emma’s husband travelled to Russia, where he fell ill and eventually died. Following his death, Emma grew in her faith. She donated to several churches including the Bremen Cathedral and established new parishes. She became known for her charity to the poor.

Following in her death in 1038 she was buried in the cathedral. It was later discovered that her body had decayed except for her intact right hand—the hand used to give her gifts and charity.

Her feast day is December 3.