Blessed William of Hirsau

Memorial: 4 July
Profile: Benedictine monk. Abbot at Saint Emmeram monastery, Ratisbon (Regensburg), Germany. Abbot of Hirsau abbey, Würtemberg, Germany. He restored the house's scriptorium, introduced the Cluniac observance, and saw to the education and improvement of the farmers living on abbey lands. Founded a monastery school and seven abbeys. Supported Pope Gregory VII against Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV in the dispute over lay investiture. Wrote a number of scholarly treatises.
Died: 1091 of natural causes
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