The Blessed Wilhelm | Relief 2
The Blessed Wilhelm | Relief 2
When Saint Wilhelm rejected false compliments and left his castle, he humbled himself and obeyed the Lord’s command. He gave up everything—his house, his brothers, and his wife—out of love for God, and journeyed to the holy sites, never to return. No one is truly holy unless the love of God is at work in them.
The Reliefs Depicting the Life of Hemma of Gurk
Reading Time: 2:15 min
Six reliefs in the Cathedral of Gurk depict the life of Saint Hemma of Gurk. They are accompanied by Latin captions, which are translated below.
Saint Hemma | Relief 1
Saint Hemma, Countess of Pöllenstein, was the granddaughter of the holy Emperor Heinrich and the wife of the holy Count Wilhelm of Zeltschach. After her sons were murdered, she accepted Christ as her successor and appointed him as her heir. She was known for her deep piety and longing for devotion. She was always ready to receive the word of God and prayed with conviction for mercy from God.
The Blessed Wilhelm | Relief 2
When Saint Wilhelm rejected false compliments and left his castle, he humbled himself and obeyed the Lord’s command. He gave up everything—his house, his brothers, and his wife—out of love for God, and journeyed to the holy sites, never to return. No one is truly holy unless the love of God is at work in them.
Saint Hemma and the Church Construction | Relief 3
Saint Hemma began to build a church in a wooded valley, which was then called Gurkhofen and is now known as Gurk, in honour of God and the Holy Virgin Mary. What she had commanded her subjects to do, she wished to complete quickly and without resistance. However, what was truly important to her could not be concealed, for her deeds clearly revealed it.
Saint Hemma and Her Life as a Nun | Relief 4
With the approval of the venerable abbot Waldwin, Archbishop of Salzburg, Saint Hemma founded a group of 72 women who always wore religious attire. In the presence of Waldwin, she publicly declared herself a nun for the first time. She had left behind all her possessions and inheritances and now lived as though she were feeding foreign chicks like a dove. Like a tree with evergreen leaves and undamaged fruit, she constantly brought forth good deeds. She became a place of refuge, protection, and security for all who came to her, as steadfast as the rock of a castle.
Saint Hemma and Her Donations | Relief 5
Saint Hemma made valuable gifts to many churches and places far from her, especially to the church in Salzburg, where she wished to be buried. She also donated to the church in Bamberg, the monastery of Admont, and the spiritual brothers of Seitz (today Žiče), providing them with rich income that they were to keep permanently. She also ensured daily alms for her neighbours and did all that pleased God without drawing attention to herself. After some time, the venerable Archbishop Gotthard of Salzburg made many of the nuns canons, according to the rule of Saint Augustine.
The Death of Saint Hemma | Relief 6
Saint Hemma completed her works in 1045 AD on the feast day of the Apostles Peter and Paul and gave her spirit to the Lord. Her body was buried in the Gurk Valley in the Cathedral of Gurk. Soon after, she became known for the many miracles that occurred through her. These miracles are recorded in her life story and continue to be celebrated to this day.