St. Cinnia was a 5th-century Irish princess and saint. As the sole daughter of King Echu of Ulster, she is recognized for her conversion to Christianity through the influence of Saint Patrick. To avoid a marriage arranged by her father to a man named Corburac, she sought a religious life. Following an agreement mediated by Patrick, she joined the Monastery of Druimduchan, a community of virgins led by the abbess Cathuberis, where she remained for the rest of her life.
Life and conversion
After embracing the Christian faith, Cinnia faced pressure from her father to marry. Saint Patrick intervened to support her choice to remain celibate, negotiating a deal where the king was promised eternal life without being forced into baptism. This allowed Cinnia to enter the monastic life at Druimduchan. During her time there, she became a significant figure in converting pagans to the new faith.
Veneration
The saint is remembered for various miracles performed during her lifetime and following her death. In the Catholic tradition, her memory is honored annually on February 1. While some hagiographers have suggested she may have been the sister of Saint Patrick, this remains an unlikely connection.