Saint of the day, March 27
The Medieval monk and bishop Saint Rupert was a missionary whose labors up the Church in two of its historic strongholds: Austria and Bavaria.
March 27 - Saint Rupert
Born: 660
Died: 718
Nationality: German
Vocation: Bishop
Attributes: Bishop’s vestments
Patronage: Salzburg, Salt miners
Canonization: Pre-Congregation
St. Rupert was born around 660, the son of Frankish nobility. After being ordained a priest and then bishop, he was sent to minister in Worms, Germany. Due to clashes with the many pagans in Worms, Rupert was forced to flee. Duke Theodo of Bavaria heard of his struggles and invited him to serve as a missionary to Bavaria where Catholics in the land were mistakenly practicing a mix of Catholicism with their former pagan traditions.
Rupert devoted himself to redirecting the faithful not only in Bavaria, but also in modern-day Austria. His ministry is said to have led to numerous conversions and miracles among the people. He also established a church and Benedictine monastery in Salzburg, Austria where he served as both bishop and abbott.
Because Rupert's efforts significantly built up the Church in Austria and Bavaria he is known as the “Apostle of Bavaria and Austria.” Rupert died in 718.
