Bardo was a Benedictine archbishop and an official of the Holy Roman Empire. He was born in Oppershafen, Wetterau, Germany, in 982, was educated at Fulda Abbey and became a Benedictine.

Once, while he was in the palace, the Metropolitan of Mainz noticed the staff in Bardo’s hand and said: “Abbot, I think it would be better for the rod to be in my hand than in yours.” To this, Bardo replied: "If that's how you think, it's not that hard for you to get it."

Returning to his place of residence, the saint called his servant, gave him the staff and other title seals and asked him to give them all as a gift to the metropolitan. In 1031, Bardo became the abbot of Herzfeld. He was also nominated as the successor to the Metropolitan of Mainz the same year. However, he had an unfortunate beginning as a metropolitan.

On a Christmas day, when he preached the gospel before the Emperor, the saint could not perform well, either because of his illness or because of stage fear. The audience began to speak very bad about him and the Emperor felt that it was a mistake to appoint an ignorant man as bishop of the most important diocese in Germany.

A few days later Bardo had to preach the gospel again before the Emperor. Although his friends tried to prevent him, he said, "Every human being will have to bear their own burdens." This time the saint gave his speech with great enthusiasm and fervor. Pleased with this, the Emperor said as he sat down for supper, 'The Metropolitan has quenched my hunger.'

Despite his privileges, the saint lived in the simplicity of a monk. He followed a very strict way of life. Therefore, Pope St. Leo IX advised Bardo to lighten his duties and relax some of his personal austerities and mortifications.

Bardo was said to have taken special attention to the obedience of the monks and quality of their service. He had also established a hospitality and care centre for those injured in war.

He completed construction of the Mainz Cathedral in 1037 and consecrated churches and chapels in the vacant sees of Germany. He presided over the Synod of Mainz in 1049 in the presence of King Henry which denounced simony and priest marriage.

On the return to Mainz he fell ill and died at Oberdorla in 1053 and was buried in Mainz Cathedral.

Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Getulius of Tivoli
2. Saint Ithamar of Rochester
3. Saint Faustina of Cyzicus
4. Saint Asterius of Petra
5. Saint Evermund of Fontenay

Click here to read related articles