Irmina (d. 716)

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Irmina (d. 716)

Frankish saint. Died c. 716; dau. of St. Dagobert II, Merovingian king of Austrasia (r. 674–678), and Matilda (Anglo-Saxon princess); sister of Saint Adela (d. 735).

Founded a convent under Benedictine rule in Horren at Trier; when her religious community was threatened by an epidemic, sought help from St. Willibrord, whose prayers, it was thought, ended the danger; in gratitude, offered Willibrord the land of Echternach, where he established his abbey; canonized as saint.

See also Women in World History.

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