March 16th – St. Heribert of Cologne B (RM)

[Weedy]

March 16th – St. Heribert of Cologne B (RM)
(Also known as Herbert)

Born in Worms, Germany; died in Cologne on March 16, 1022.
As a boy, Saint Heribert was sent to the monastery at Gorze in
Lorraine for his studies. Upon his return to Worms, he was given a
canonry and was ordained. Like so many prelates of his time, he was
actively engaged in secular as well as church affairs and not much is
known of his personal life. Heribert developed into one of the
strongest and most distinguished German statesman of the age: by 994,
he had become chancellor to Emperor Otto III.

Heribert was elected archbishop of Cologne in 998. In the depths of
winter he took off his shoes and walked into the city where he was
consecrated on Christmas Eve 999, and from that time on he always wore
a hair shirt underneath the rich robes of an archbishop.

Even as archbishop his duties as chancellor did not end. As imperial
chancellor, he traveled to Italy with Otto and after he died brought
back the dead Otto's body to Aachen for burial.

He incensed the ambitious men who wanted to succeed Otto by refusing
to hand over the imperial insignia until a new emperor had been
properly appointed. Heribert was even imprisoned for a time by Duke
Henry of Bavaria for his obstinacy. This man, who became Emperor Saint
Henry II, bore a grudge against Heribert for many years, but in the
end came to acknowledge the saint's wisdom and probity to the point
that Heribert became Henry's chancellor, too.

At a time when many clerical statesmen forgot or neglected their
spiritual duties under the pressure of serving the state, Heribert was
a devoted chief pastor of his flock. As archbishop he was a rich man;
but his entire income was divided between the church and the poor,
save for the little that was absolutely necessary for his own needs.

Heribert built the Benedictine monastery at Deutz (outside Cologne) on
the Rhine (where he was buried on his death in 1021), was an active
peacemaker, maintained strict clerical discipline, and is reputed to
have performed miracles, one of which caused a heavy rainfall ending a
severe drought and that causes him to be invoked for rain. Already
during his lifetime Heribert was looked upon as a saint; after his
death, his cultus was encouraged by the monks of Deutz. But the bull
of formal canonization, attributed to Pope Saint Gregory VII, is now
known to be a forgery, produced in the 17th century (Attwater,
Attwater2, Benedictines, Bentley, Delaney).

In art, Saint Heribert is an archbishop calling down rain by his
prayers. Sometimes he is shown with Emperor Saint Henry, kneeling
before him (Roeder).


Saint Quote:
Help yourself during this troubled period by reading holy books. This
reading provides excellent food for the soul and conduces to great
progress along the path of perfection. By no means is it inferior to
what we obtain through prayer and holy meditation. In prayer and
meditation it is ourselves who speak to the Lord, while in holy
reading it is God who speaks to us. Before beginning to read, raise
your mind to the Lord and implore Him to guide your mind Himself, to
speak to your heart and move your will.
-- Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

Bible Quote:
But they that are learned, shall shine as the brightness of the
firmament: and they that instruct many to justice, as stars for all
eternity. (Daniel 12:3) DRB


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A POWERFUL NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH

This novena has proven to be highly efficacious. It seems to be
pleasing to St. Joseph and helpful to souls. This form of novena was
originally devised by the celebrated Fr. Louis Lallemant, S.J.
(1587-1633). It has proved particularly effective in obtaining favors
through the intercession of St. Joseph. In the Life of this saintly
priest and great master of the spiritual life, to whom St. Joseph
never refused anything he asked, the story is told that on one
occasion he urged two young priests to make this novena, promising
that they would obtain everything they asked through the intercession
of St. Joseph if, in turn, they would show him special honor and
spread devotion to him among others. Both did as Fr. Lallemant
suggested. One of them asked for grace to speak and write worthily of
Our Lord. But the next day he came to Fr. Lallemant to tell him that,
upon reflection, he wished to ask for a different grace, which he
considered more conducive to his perfection. Fr. Lallemant replied,
“It is too late now to ask for another grace. The first one has
already been granted.” This grace was conspicuously displayed
throughout the whole course of the priest’s life, as he became one of
the most noted preachers and writers of his day.

How to Make this Novena
No particular prayers need be said for this novena. Every day for nine
days, turn to St. Joseph in spirit four times during the day and honor
him in the following four points. (These “visits” may be made
anywhere--at home, at work, on the street, in the car or bus--and at
any time.)

1. During the first visit, consider St. Joseph’s fidelity to grace.
Reflect upon the action of the Holy Ghost in his soul. At the
conclusion of this brief meditation, thank God for so honoring St.
Joseph, and ask, through his intercession, for a similar grace.
2. Later in the day, consider St. Joseph’s fidelity to the interior
life. Study his spirit of recollection. Think, thank God, and ask.
3. Later still, consider St. Joseph’s love for Our Lady. Think, thank
God, and ask.
4. Finally, in a fourth visit, reflect upon St. Joseph’s love for the
Divine Child. Think, thank God, and ask.