Saint Bernward of Hildesheim
Saint Bernward of Hildesheim (born c. 960 AD in Saxony, Germany; died November 20, 1022 AD in Hildesheim, Lower Saxony, Germany) was Bishop of Hildesheim from 993 to 1022, one of the most remarkable prelates of the Ottonian period—distinguished as a statesman, educator, goldsmith, architect, and patron of the arts. Under his direction the cathedral workshops of Hildesheim produced the famous Bernward Doors (the great bronze doors of Saint Michael's church, cast c. 1015), the Bernward Column (a bronze column modeled on Trajan's Column in Rome), and numerous works of goldsmithing, manuscript illumination, and architectural innovation that make Hildesheim's Ottonian monuments a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He was canonized on August 29, 1192 by Pope Celestine III. His feast day is November 20.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Bernward Of Hildesheim
| Saint Bernward of Hildesheim | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | November 20 |
| Profession | Bishop; goldsmith; architect; educator; statesman |
| Rel. Affiliation | Diocese of Hildesheim |
| Patronage | Goldsmiths; sculptors; architects; Hildesheim |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments; the Bernward Column or Doors; tools of a goldsmith or artist |
| Birthplace | Saxony, Germany |
| Death Place | Hildesheim, Lower Saxony, Germany |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Hildesheim Cathedral, Hildesheim, Germany; crypt of the Cathedral |
| Liturgical Class | Not included (universal calendar); observed in Diocese of Hildesheim |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Early life and education
Bernward was born around 960 in Saxony into a noble family. He was educated at the Cathedral School of Hildesheim—one of the leading centers of learning in the Ottonian Empire—and later served at the imperial court as tutor to the young Emperor Otto III, a post that gave him close knowledge of the imperial court and its culture.
Bishop of Hildesheim
He was appointed Bishop of Hildesheim in 993 and governed the diocese for nearly thirty years. His episcopate was marked by pastoral care, administrative skill, and—most remarkably—a personal mastery of the metalworking, bronze-casting, architectural, and artistic crafts that made the Hildesheim workshops famous.
Artistic achievements
Under Bernward's direct patronage and personal participation, the workshops of Hildesheim produced:
- **The Bernward Doors** (Bernwardstür, c. 1015 AD) — the famous pair of bronze doors cast for the Church of Saint Michael; 4.72 meters tall; with reliefs depicting scenes from Genesis (left door, Fall of Man) and the Gospels (right door, Life of Christ)—the program reading typologically from Old to New Testament. Among the finest works of Ottonian art.
- **The Bernward Column** (Bernwardssäule, c. 1020 AD) — a bronze column modeled after the Column of Trajan in Rome, with a continuous narrative spiral of Gospel scenes; originally surmounted by a crucifix. An extraordinary feat of casting for the period.
- Numerous reliquaries, book covers, chalices, and liturgical objects produced by the cathedral workshops under his direction.
The Church of Saint Michael's (Michaeliskirche), which Bernward built from 1010, is a masterpiece of Ottonian Romanesque architecture. Together with the Cathedral of the Assumption, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site ("Hildesheim Cathedral and Church of Saint Michael").
Dispute with Sophia of Gandersheim
Bernward's episcopate was not without controversy. He was involved in a prolonged dispute with Archbishop Willigis of Mainz over jurisdiction of the Gandersheim Abbey—a major conflict in the Ottonian church that eventually required a papal ruling.
Death and canonization
Bernward died on November 20, 1022, and was buried in the crypt chapel of Saint Michael's which he had built as his intended burial place—taking religious habit on his deathbed in the Benedictine tradition. Miracles were attested at his tomb and he was canonized on August 29, 1192 by Pope Celestine III.
Significant events
- Born c. 960 in Saxony; educated at Hildesheim Cathedral School.
- Served as tutor to Emperor Otto III at the imperial court.
- Appointed Bishop of Hildesheim in 993.
- Built the Church of Saint Michael's, Hildesheim, from 1010.
- Created the Bernward Doors (c. 1015) and Bernward Column (c. 1020).
- Died November 20, 1022; buried in the crypt of Saint Michael's.
- Canonized August 29, 1192 by Pope Celestine III.
- Hildesheim Cathedral and Saint Michael's designated UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985).
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Saxony, Germany
Death location: Hildesheim, Lower Saxony, Germany
Notable location: His episcopal city and center of his artistic and architectural achievements; UNESCO World Heritage Site (Hildesheim, Lower Saxony, Germany)
Notable location: The great Ottonian church he built; the Bernward Doors and Column were created for it (Church of Saint Michael (Michaeliskirche), Hildesheim)
Notable location: The medieval cathedral; with Saint Michael's a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Hildesheim Cathedral (Cathedral of the Assumption))
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Hildesheim Cathedral (Cathedral of the Assumption), Hildesheim, Lower Saxony — UNESCO World Heritage Site; holds significant relics.
- Church of Saint Michael's (Michaeliskirche), Hildesheim — UNESCO World Heritage Site; built by Bernward; the Bernward Doors and Column are in the Cathedral treasury.
Canonization
Saint Bernward was canonized on August 29, 1192 by Pope Celestine III.
Feast day
November 20
Veneration
Saint Bernward of Hildesheim is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church with a feast day on November 20, particularly in the Diocese of Hildesheim. He is the patron of goldsmiths and sculptors.
Prayers
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