Saint of the Day – 10 February – Saint Bruno von Waldeck (c1000-1055) Bishop of Minden, Germany, renowned and fervent Preacher, evangeliser, Apostle of the needy and careful defender and promotor of the social needs of his flock, In the list of Bishops of the Diocese he is ranked 16th after Siegbert, who died in 1036 and before Egilbert. The Diocese of Minden was erected by Charlemagne in the year 803, whose first Bishop was Erkanbert, a Monk of the Abbey of Fulda, one of the first missionaries in that territory. Through the story of tradition, it is believed that Saint Bruno led his community from 5 May 1037 to 10 February 1055, the date of his death. Also known as – Bruno of Waldeck, Brun/o of Minden, run…
Saint Bruno von Waldeck, the 16th Bishop of Minden, from 1037 to 10 February 1055, was a man of deep faith and devotion, who dedicated himself passionately to his pastoral work, promoting the spread of Christianity and the well-being of his flock.
Born around 1000 to a noble family, Bruno received a high-level education which prepared him to hold important positions in the Church. He became a Royal Chaplain and in 1036 a Canon at the then Cathedral in Magdeburg.
In 1037, at the direction of Emperor Henry III, he was appointed as the Bishop of Minden, a Diocese located in north-western Germany. Bruno proved to be an enlightened and wise Bishop, who dedicated himself passionately to his pastoral work. He was a fervent preacher, who worked to spread Christianity among the pagan populations who inhabitedthe region.
He was also a tireless builder of Churches and Monasteries which helped strengthen the presence of the Church. One of his major contributions was the foundation of the Monastery of St Maurice on the Werder in the Town of Minden. The Monastery was an important centre of culture, education and devotion and contributed to the growth of the Christian Faith in the region. In 1434, the Monastery was moved to its current location on the opposite side of the Weser, due to the risk of flooding. In 1810, due to the protestant upheavels, this wonderful Monastery was closed after many oppresions and restrictions. Its Church remains and thank goodness still belongs to the Catholic Church.
Bruno also took an interest in the well-being of his faithful, promoting social justice and charity towards the needy.
AnaStpaul 