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 in austerity at the abbey of Niederaltaich, he became a monk in 990 and in 996 was made abbot there. In 1001–1002 he went as abbot to Tegernsee, from which he reformed and directed the monastery of Hersfeld between 1005 and 1012, returning to Niederaltaich in 1013. He thus supported the Cluniac reform (v.). Named Bishop of Hildesheim by Emperor Henry II in 1022, he combined a life of holiness with intense activity. He built and consecrated more than thirty churches, including the cathedral of Hildesheim, and founded a school of writing and painting. He was the first Bavarian to be canonized (by Pope Innocent II in 1131). His feast is observed on 4 or 5 May. Many churches and shrines are dedicated to him. He is invoked against various illnesses and against lightning and hail.