GOTTARDO (GODEARDO), saint. - Benedictine, bishop of Hildesheim, successor of St Bernvard. Born at Reichersdorf (Niederaltaich) in 960; died at Hildesheim on 5 May 1038.
Strictly educated in the abbey of Niederaltaich, he became a monk in 990 and abbot there in 996; in 1001-2 he became abbot at Tegernsee, whence he also reformed and directed, during the period 1005-12, the monastery of Hersfeld, returning to Niederaltaich in 1013; he was therefore a Cluny (v.). Appointed bishop of Hildesheim by Emperor Henry II (1022), he added intense activity to the holiness of his life. He built and consecrated more than 30 churches, including 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 is celebrated on 4 or 5 May. Many churches and shrines are dedicated to him. He is invoked in various illnesses and against lightning and hail.