St. Emma

St. Emma, also known as Emma of Lesum or Emma of Stiepel, was born into the noble Immedinger family in the late 10th century, around 975-980. She was a Saxon princess, and her brother, Meinwerk, served as Bishop of Paderborn. Emma married Liudger, the son of a Saxon duke, and they had a son named Imad, who later became Bishop of Paderborn in 1051. After Liudger's death in 1011, Emma dedicated her life to the Church and charitable works. She became a significant benefactor of churches, contributing to the Bremen Cathedral and establishing several small parishes. Her generosity and devotion to the poor in Bremen earned her great respect. Emma passed away on December 3, 1038, and was buried in Bremen Cathedral. Although she was never formally canonized, her piety and charitable deeds led to a popular devotion that developed after her death. Her legacy as a symbol of selflessness and devotion to the poor and the Church is still celebrated today, with her feast day observed on December 3. Centuries later, her grave was opened, and her right hand, used for charitable acts, was found preserved and enshrined as a relic at the Abbey of Saint Ludger in Werden.