Hunna was a 7th-century noblewoman from Alsace who is honored as a saint in the Catholic Church. Born into a privileged family as the daughter of a duke, she married an aristocrat named Huno. Influenced by the hermit Saint Deodatus of Nevers, she dedicated much of her life to serving the impoverished members of her community. She is widely recognized for her charitable work and is commemorated annually on April 15.
Life and service
While managing her estate and family during her husband's diplomatic travels, Hunna focused on assisting her neighbors. She provided essential care for the sick, including cooking, childcare, and cleaning. Her frequent labor of washing and replacing clothing for the needy led to her being called the Holy Washerwoman. Her son, who was also a saint, later established a monastery in Ebersheim.
Veneration and legacy
Hunna is traditionally venerated as the patroness of laundresses. In the modern era, scholars have categorized her as a domestic saint, a type of pious noblewoman whose local fame stemmed from dedicated household and community service. She was formally canonized by Pope Leo X in 1520.