Saint Heribert

St. Heribert was born around 970 in Worms to Count Hugo and Tietwista. Brilliant and always eager to learn, he was educated at the Cathedral School of Worms and the celebrated Abbey of Gorze in Lorraine. He was drawn to the lives of the Benedictine monks at that place and would have joined them if his father hadn't urgently called him back to Worms. There, he was appointed to a canonry and ordained as a priest. Heribert gained the confidence of Emperor Otto III, becoming not only his chancellor, but also his friend, adviser, and companion. 

On Christmas Eve 998, he was consecrated Archbishop of Cologne in the Cathedral of St. Peter, and from that moment on, he devoted himself indefatigably to the duties of his high calling. Saint Heribert of Cologne was a shepherd of souls whose thoughts were always focused on God and who never lost his humility. He never allowed his state affairs to hinder him from his spiritual duties. On the opposite side of the Rhine, he and Otto established a monastery and a church at Deutz.

Heribert often sent alms to the poor and to priests to distribute to the poor. Once, during a great drought, the Archbishop led a penitential procession. Entering the church of St. Severinus, Heribert gave himself up to prayer. Scarcely had he risen from his knees when torrential rains poured down upon the city, and the harvest was saved. On a visit to Neuss, Heribert contracted fever, of which he died on 16 March 1021, after receiving the Viaticum with great fervor. At his tomb at Deutz, many miracles came to be attributed to his intercession. He is still invoked for rain.

St. Heribert, pray for us that we may be faithful to the calling of the Lord in the midst of suffering and respond courageously to our vocation.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.