March 27 + Saint Rupert of Salzburg

Born in 660 in Worms, Germany, Rupert was already a bishop and known for his great virtue, when he was invited by Duke Theodo of Bavaria, himself still a pagan, to evangelize his people. Although the Gospel had already been preached in Bavaria, its people were nominally Catholic as pagan practices and Arian heretical beliefs persisted in their midst, adulterating the purity of the Christian doctrine.

Rupert and his companions were warmly received in the ancient town of Ratisbon. The Duke Theodo received Baptism and with him a number of his nobles. With no serious opposition to the missionaries’ work, Christianity flourished under the apostolate of Bishop Rupert and his companions who proceeded to confirm the faith of some, to evangelize many, Christianize pagan temples, and build churches. In the course of his work, Rupert worked countless miracles.

In his generosity, Theodo gave Rupert the region of Juvavum, present-day Salzburg in Austria, for his apostolic see. Returning to France, Rupert convinced another twelve men, as well as his niece Saint Erentrudis, to join him in his mission.

With his niece, he founded a Benedictine monastery for women in Nonnberg, and with the twelve men the Benedictine monastery for men Saint Peter at Salzburg. Rupert spent his life dedicated to the work of not only evangelizing and guiding his flock but also of civilizing his people. He also did much to promote the salt mines in the region for which he renamed the city Salzburg. Rupert died on March 27, 710 AD at the age of 50.