Saint of the Day – 5 March – Saint Dietmar (Died 1206) Bishop of Minden in Germany from c1185 until his death. Born in Bavaria, Germany and died on 5 March 1206. Also known as – Thietmar, Thiemo, Theodemarus.
Bishop Dietmar is said to have been moral and ascetic in personal matters and to have led the Church in Minden with prudence and wisdom. He is considered one of the greatest Bishops in Westphalia. In 1200 he Consecrated the Monastery of Marienwerder.
It is said of Dietmar that on Good Friday he would fast on water and bread as he was accustomed, even though he was very weak physically. However, the water which his servant had drawn from the well had turned into wine. Dietmar refused the drink and asked for water instead. But when he was again and again offered wine, he began to distrust his servant. Finally, he followed him to the well and watched carefully how he drew the water. When he himself saw how the water had been transformed into wine, he thanked God for having strengthened him with this miraculous drink, despite his unworthiness.
Dietmar died on 5 March 1206 in Minden and was succeeded as the Bishop by Henry II (1206-1209). He is venerated as a Saint with a memorial day on the day of his death but 6 March is also mentioned.
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