GOTTHARD (Godehard), Saint. - Benedictine, bishop of Hildesheim, successor of St. Bernward. Born at Reichersdorf (Niederaltaich) in 960, died at Hildesheim on 5 May 1038.

Educated austerely in the abbey of Niederaltaich, he became a monk there in 990, and in 996 became abbot there; in 1001-1002 he moved as abbot to Tegernsee, from where he also reformed and directed, in the period 1005-12, the monastery of Hersfeld, returning in 1013 to Niederaltaich; he was therefore a supporter of the reform of Cluny (v.). Appointed bishop of Hildesheim by the Emperor Henry II (1022), to the holiness of his life he added intense activity. He built and consecrated more than 30 churches, among them the cathedral of Hildesheim, and established a school of writing and painting. He was the first Bavarian to be canonized (by Pope Innocent II in 1131). His feast falls on 4 or 5 May. Many churches and shrines are dedicated to him. He is invoked in various illnesses and against lightning and hail.

Bibliography6 works

BIBL.: Two biographies by his friend and disciple Wolfher, in MGH, Scriptores, XI, pp. 162-221; letters by him and to him, in MGH, Epist. select., III, pp. 59-70, 105-110; accounts of the translation and of the miracles, in MGH, Scriptores, XII, pp. 639-52; cf. also BHL, p. 534 ff.; Acta SS. Mail, I, Paris 1866, pp. 501-530; VII, ibid. 1868, p. 861.

Lucchesio Spätling

@incollection{ec6_gottardo_godeardo_santo, author = {Spätling, Lucchesio}, title = {Gottardo (Godeardo), santo}, booktitle = {Enciclopedia Cattolica}, volume = {VI}, publisher = {Ente per l’Enciclopedia Cattolica e per il Libro Cattolico}, address = {Città del Vaticano}, year = {1951}, url = {https://azioneromana.com/article/gottardo-godeardo-santo} }

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Gotthard (Godehard), Saint

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