Blessed Emma
January 31
Saint Emma was born in 808 in Regensburg the daughter of Guelf, founder of one of the best known European houses of nobility. She was wife of King Ludwig the German, grandson of Charlesmagne. Their marriage was a very happy one, and it is written that Ludwig said of Emma, "my very beloved spouse, Emma." Emma was full of beauty and virtues, and admired for both. Ludwig was handsome, of medium height; educated, clever and eloquent; brave and talented in fighting; and generous to the poor. She was her husband's companion and adviser in 49 years of marriage.
She was the mother of seven children: Karlmann (who later became king), Ludwig, Karl, Hildegard, Irmengard, Gisela (who died in childhood), and Berta. The three daughters became Benedictine abbesses. Hildegard was probably was the most important of her daughters. She was abbess at Muensterschwarach and then later in Zurich. Berta succeeded her as abbess at he monastery in Zurich. Irmengard was abbess at Buchau and then later at Frauencheimsee where her father built a monastery. Irmengard died July 16, 866 at the age of 34.
Emma was the center of the family life, Catholic to the bone. Family trials -- and there were many -- she met with perfect equilibrium, fortitude and a smile. Among the countless works of her love of God and that her charity prompted her to do, the one most dear to her heart was the Benedictine monastery of nuns at Obermuenster which she founded in Regensburg (Bavaria). She ruled this religious house as a titular abbess, and retired there whenever duty permitted to give herself to solitude and converse with God.
A prolonged and trying illness put the last touches to her sanctity. She died on January 31, 876. She was buried in St. Emmeram Church in Regensburg which was a Benedictine monastery of monks. Her tomb is one of the most precious pieces of 13th century sculpture. She is very honored and venerated in the Diocese of Regensburg.
Please note: this is all the information we have available on Blessed Emma.