Cinnia, or Cynnia, was an Irish saint who lived during the 5th century. She was a princess of Ulster, the only daughter of Echu (or Eochaidh), a king in Ireland.[1]
She converted to Christianity, but her father wanted her to marry Corburac, so Saint Patrick intervened on her behalf.[2][3] Her father agreed to allow her to become a nun, on the condition that Patrick "promised him eternal life without compelling him to be baptized".[3] Patrick agreed, and Cinnia entered the Monastery of Druimduchan, a large community of virgins, under the care of the abbess Cathuberis, where Cinnia lived until her death.[2][4] Cinnia was responsible for the conversion of many pagans and was well known for her miracles, which occurred both during her life and after she died.[3][4]
Hagiographer Agnes Dunbar states that Cinnia might have been Patrick's sister, although that is unlikely.[3] Her feast day is February 1.[2][3]
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