medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (24. September) is the feast day of:
Rupert of Salzburg (d. 718) Rupert was probably a Frank. He became bishop
of Worms, but in c. 700 was called to Bavaria as a missionary. His work,
supported by the duke of Bavaria, was highly successful, and he is regarded
as the apostle of Bavaria.
Virgil of Salzburg (d. 784) Virgil is one of the very few (I think five)
Irish saints to have been formally canonized. He left Ireland for the
continent, and after a couple of years at the Frankish court made his way
to Bavaria. There he became abbot of St. Peter's, Salzburg, and in 755
bishop of the city. Virgil was a successful missionary and also one of the
most learned men of his time (he had the dubious honor of being accused of
heresy by St. Boniface).
Gerard of Csanad (d. 1046) Gerard was a Venetian by birth. He became a
monk and later prior in his home town. But on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem he
passed through Hungary, and King Stephen invited him to remain as his son's
tutor. Soon the diocese of Csanad was established, and Gerard became the
first bishop and an active missionary. But there was a pagan reaction
after Stephen's death, and Gerard was attacked by a mob in Buda, stoned,
run through with a lance, then thrown off a cliff into the Danube.
Hermannus Contractus (d. 1054) Hermann "the Lame" was crippled at a very
young age---contemporary accounts make it sound like quadriplegia. His
parents offered him to the monastery of Reichenau at the age of seven
where, despite the handicaps that even made it very difficult for him to
speak, Hermann became one of the most learned men of his age and the author
of works ranging from liturgy to a large chronicle.
Robert of Knaresborough (d. 1218) Robert was the son of an important York
family. He tried a noviciate among the Cistercians, but opted instead for
the eremitical life. He was known for his care of the destitute (including
outlaws), and enjoyed the patronage of many, including King John. Robert
was so renowned that the Cistercians of Fountains tried to get him into
their order on his deathbed, and failing that to get his body for their
church. Instead he was buried in the chapel beside his cave, and his tomb
became a popular place of pilgrimage (although R. was never formally
canonized).
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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