Saint Engelbert
Saint Engelbert of Cologne (born c. 1185 AD in Berg, Rhineland, Germany; died November 7, 1225 AD at Gevelsberg, Westphalia, Germany) was the Archbishop of Cologne and regent of Germany during the minority of Emperor Frederick II's son King Henry (VII). He was a powerful ecclesiastical statesman who was assassinated by his cousin Count Frederick of Isenberg in a political conspiracy. He was venerated as a martyr and canonized in 1633. His feast day is November 7.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Engelbert
| Saint Engelbert | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | November 07 |
| Profession | Archbishop; regent; statesman; martyr |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Archbishop of Cologne 1216–1225 |
| Patronage | Cologne; Rhineland; Germany; bishops; political rulers |
| Attributes | Archbishop's vestments; sword (martyrdom); palm of martyrdom; model of Cologne Cathedral |
| Birthplace | Berg, Rhineland, Germany |
| Death Place | Gevelsberg, Westphalia, Germany |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom; murdered by his cousin Count Frederick of Isenberg and conspirators; stabbed multiple times while traveling |
| Primary Shrine | Altenberg Abbey (Altenberger Dom), Berg, North Rhine-Westphalia — his burial place; major pilgrimage church |
| Liturgical Class | Not in universal Roman Calendar; feast observed in Archdiocese of Cologne |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Engelbert was born around 1185 as the son of Count Engelbert I of Berg. He entered an ecclesiastical career and — in a common medieval practice — held multiple benefices including provostships at several Rhineland churches while still young. He was elected Archbishop of Cologne in 1216 and consecrated that same year.
As Archbishop of Cologne, Engelbert was one of the most powerful ecclesiastics in Germany. He served as regent of the German kingdom on behalf of Emperor Frederick II, whose young son Henry (VII) was King of Germany. He was energetic in maintaining order, reforming the Church in his archdiocese, and promoting monasteries and religious houses.
He was also a political figure in constant friction with the nobility of the region. In 1225, his cousin Count Frederick of Isenberg — angered over property disputes involving the convent of Essen — organized a conspiracy with other nobles. On November 7, 1225, while Engelbert was returning from a synod at Soest, the conspirators ambushed him near Gevelsberg. He was pulled from his horse, stabbed repeatedly, and killed. He reportedly continued to pray even as he was being attacked.
His murder caused outrage throughout Germany. Count Frederick was captured, tried, broken on the wheel (1226), and his remains hung in chains. Pope Gregory IX ordered an inquiry into Engelbert's sanctity; miracles were reported at his tomb at Altenberg Abbey. His vita was written by Caesarius of Heisterbach. He was formally canonized by Pope Urban VIII in 1633. His feast day is November 7.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Berg, Rhineland, Germany
Death location: Gevelsberg, Westphalia, Germany
Notable location: His archiepiscopal see; he significantly advanced the construction of Cologne Cathedral; he is venerated as patron of Cologne; his shrine is in the cathedral (Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), Cologne, Germany)
Notable location: The site of his murder near this town on the road between Schwelm and Gevelsberg; a chapel marks the site (Gevelsberg, Westphalia, Germany)
Notable location: The Cistercian abbey at Altenberg where his body was brought and venerated; associated with his family; he is buried here (Altenberg Abbey, Berg, Germany)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Altenberg Abbey (Altenberger Dom), Berg, North Rhine-Westphalia — his burial place; pilgrimage church.
- Cologne Cathedral — his archiepiscopal see; venerated as patron of Cologne.
Feast day
November 7
Veneration
Saint Engelbert is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly in the Archdiocese of Cologne, with a feast day on November 7.
Prayers
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