Saint Corbinian
French hermit sent to Bavaria who founded a monastic community and school at Freising
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Bishop, Missionary
- Life
- d. 730
- Era
- 8th century
- Feast
- 8 September
- Countries
- France, Germany
Life story
Corbinian was born around 670–680 at Châtres, near Melun, in Frankish territory. His father died before he was born, and his mother was Corbiniana. He lived as a hermit beside the church of St Germain at Châtres, and disciples gathered around him.
He went on pilgrimage to Rome with some of them. There, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, he was consecrated bishop, received the pallium and was sent to preach. Later Pope Gregory II urged him to work in Bavaria. On his way back from Rome, messengers of Duke Grimoald persuaded him to go to Bavaria; he reached Freising around 724 and founded a Benedictine monastery and school there.
He condemned Grimoald's marriage to his brother's widow, Biltrudis, which drew her hostility. He had to leave, withdrawing to Mais (Merano) until Grimoald was killed, and returned to Freising at the invitation of Grimoald's successor. Sources give the year of his return as 725 or 729.
He died on 8 September 730. In 769 Bishop Arbeo had his remains moved from Mais to Freising and wrote the Vita Corbiniani, the main source on his life. Hagiography says a bear killed his pack horse so he made it carry his baggage to Rome; this is legend, not verified history, but the bear became his emblem and appears in Freising's coat of arms. His feast day is 8 September, and the translation of his relics is marked on 20 November.
Works and witness
- Lived as a hermit beside the church of St Germain at Châtres
- Went to Rome and was sent out as a missionary bishop
- Founded a Benedictine monastery and school at Freising around 724
- Condemned Duke Grimoald's marriage and had to leave for a time
- His remains were moved to Freising in 769; Arbeo wrote his Vita
Patron of
Freising and the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising
Saints from the same country
References
- Catholic Encyclopedia, “St. Corbinian”, newadvent.org/cathen/04356a.htm
- CatholicSaints.Info, “Saint Corbinian”, catholicsaints.info/saint-corbinian/
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.