Heribert was born at Worms, Germany, by about 970. His father was Count Hugo, Duke of Worms and mother, Tietwista. Heribert wanted to become a Benedictine monk, but his father disapproved of that and hence he no longer pursued it.
In 994 he was ordained priest and in the same year King Otto III appointed him chancellor for Italy. Four years later, he was appointed as chancellor of Germany as well, a position which he held until the death of Otto III. As chancellor, he was the most influential adviser of the king. In 999, he was elected as Archbishop of Cologne.
Heribert was well known for his extraordinary piety and generosity towards the poor. Legend says that Mother Mary appeared to him and his friend and successor in the Episcopate Pilgrim in a dream and instructed Heribert to establish the Abbey in Cologne-Deutz.
During a prayer procession for rain from St. Severin to St. Pantaleon in Cologne, the participants saw a dove circling around Heribert and it rained after the mass.
He contracted a fever while on a pastoral visitation and was hurried back to Cologne. Heribert died at Cologne, on 16 March, 1021 and was buried in the Abbey in Cologne-Deutz .
Saint Heribert is venerated as the Patron Saint of Deutz-Germany and that of rain as well.
Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint John de Brebeuf
2. Saint Eusebia of Hamage
3. Saint Julian of Anazarbus
4. Saint Finian Lobhar
5. Saint Dentlin of Soignies
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