Blessed Godfrey of Cappenberg

Also known as

• Godfrey of Ilbenstadt
• Godfrey of Kappenberg
• Gaufrid of….
• Geoffrey of….
• Geoffroy of….
• Geofroi of….
• Gioffredo of….
• Godefrid of….
• Godefridus of….
• Godefroid of….
• Godfrey of….
• Goffredo of….
• Goffrey of….
• Gofrido of….
• Gotfrid of….
• Gothofred of….
• Gottfrid of….
• Gottfried of….
• Jeffrey of….

Memorial

• 13 January

Profile

Descendant of Charlemagne through his father, of the dukes of Swabia through his mother. Wealthy count in Westphalia with extensive lands. Layman, married to a noble woman. After being brought to an active faith by his friend Saint Norbert of Xanten, Godfrey turned his castle into a Premonstratensian abbey, and in the face of violent family opposition, gave his lands and wealth over to Norbert for use by the Church. He and his brother then joined the order as monks; Godfrey’s wife and two sisters tooks vows as nuns in a convent he founded for them nearby. Built several hospitals and other houses. Was studying for the priesthood when he died.

Born

• 1097 at Cappenberg Castle, Westphalia, Germany

Died

• 13 January 1127 at the abbey of Ilbenstadt, Germany of natural causes
• relics in churches in Ilbenstadt and Cappenberg, Germany

Representation

• Praemonstratensian monk carrying bread in a bowl with two loaves at his feet
• Praemonstratensian monk holding a church
• Praemonstratensian monk holding a skull

Additional Information

• Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
• Heiligen 3s
• Katherine Rabenstein
• Norbertine Vocations
• Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints

MLA Citation

• “Blessed Godfrey of Cappenberg“. Saints.SQPN.com. 13 January 2013. Web. 24 May 2013. <>