Saint Engelbert was born around 1185 in Berg, the son of Count Engelbert of Berg and Margaret, daughter of the Count of Gelderland. He was educated at the cathedral school of Cologne, and while still a boy, he was appointed provost of several important churches, including St. George and St. Severin in Cologne and St. Mary’s in Aachen. At that time, it was common for noble families to place their children in high church positions.
In 1199, Engelbert became provost of the cathedral in Cologne. During his early years, he lived a worldly life and became involved in political disputes. When a conflict arose between two archbishops, Adolf and Bruno, Engelbert supported his cousin Adolf and even went to war on his behalf. As a result, both were excommunicated by the pope. Later, Engelbert repented and was reinstated in 1208. To make amends, he joined the crusade against the Albigenses in 1212.
On February 29, 1216, Engelbert was unanimously elected Archbishop of Cologne. As archbishop, he welcomed the new religious orders of Franciscans and Dominicans into his diocese. He was a strong supporter of monasteries and insisted on strict religious observance. Engelbert was known for his kindness toward the poor and his friendship with the clergy. He also worked to strengthen church discipline through provincial synods.
Engelbert became deeply involved in the affairs of the empire. When Emperor Frederick II settled permanently in Sicily, he appointed Engelbert as guardian and administrator of Germany on behalf of his young son, Henry VII. When Henry turned twelve, Engelbert crowned him at Aachen and ruled the empire in his name. Engelbert was devoted to the young king, guiding his education and working tirelessly to maintain peace throughout the land.
His devotion to duty and loyalty to both the pope and the emperor brought him enemies among the nobles. Many feared his authority, and he often had to travel with bodyguards. The greatest threat, however, came from his own family. His cousin, Count Frederick of Isenberg, who was the guardian of the nuns of Essen, had abused his position and oppressed the convent. At the request of Pope Honorius III and the emperor, Engelbert intervened to protect the nuns. Frederick, urged on by his wife, plotted to kill him.
On November 7, 1225, as Engelbert was traveling from Soest to Schwelm to consecrate a church, he was ambushed by Frederick and his followers. He was struck down, pulled from his horse, and brutally murdered, suffering forty-seven wounds. His body was carried to Cologne on a cart four days later. King Henry VII wept bitterly over his remains and ordered that Frederick be punished. Frederick was later captured, condemned, and executed in Cologne in 1226 after confessing his guilt.
Engelbert’s body was laid to rest in the old cathedral of Cologne on February 24, 1226, by Cardinal Conrad von Urach, who declared him a martyr for his faith and dedication. Though never formally canonized, St. Engelbert is remembered in the Roman Martyrology on November 7 as a martyr. A convent for nuns was later built at the place where he died, honoring his memory as a courageous shepherd who gave his life in defense of justice and the Church.