Saint Otto of Bamberg

Also known as: Father of Monks; Otho; Otho of Bamberg
Memorial: 2 July; formerly 30 September and 30 June; 1 October in Pomerania
Profile: Swabian nobility. Priest. Part of the household of Duke Ladislas of Poland. Entered the service of Emperor Henry IV in 1090. Chancellor in 1101. When Henry broke with Rome over the dispute of the investiture of bishops by Rome as opposed to local authorities, Otto was stuck in the middle - loyal to his emporer in matters of state, loyal to his pope in matters of spirit. Henry appointed him bishop, but Otto refused, claiming that only the true pope has such power. Henry agreed, and they journeyed to Rome where Otto was made Bishop of Bamberg. Established religious foundations, built churches, founded over 20 monasteries, and worked to heal the schism caused by Henry's break with Rome. Preacher. Evangelized in Poland, converting 20,000 pagans.
Born: 1060 at Swabia (southern Germany)
Died: 30 June 1139
Canonized: 1189 by Pope Clement III
Patronage: diocese of Bamberg, Germany; hydrophobia; mad dogs; rabies
Representation: bishop with a dog
Additional Information: Catholic Encyclopedia
Wikipedia
Catholic Online
New Catholic Dictionary
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