Saint Bernward served as the thirteenth Bishop of Hildesheim, Germany, during the mid-tenth century. He came from a noble family his grandfather was Athelbero, Count Palatine of Saxony. After losing his parents at a young age, Bernward was entrusted to the care of his uncle Volkmar, the Bishop of Utrecht. Bishop Volkmar arranged for Bernward to be educated under Thangmar, the devout and highly learned director of the cathedral school at Heidelberg.

Guided by Thangmar, Bernward advanced quickly in both Christian virtue and academic learning. He developed strong abilities in mathematics, painting, architecture, and especially in crafting liturgical vessels and ornaments from silver and gold.

Bernward later completed his studies at Mainz, where he was ordained a priest. Although he could have served in the diocese of his uncle Volkmar, he chose instead to remain close to his grandfather Athelbero to support him in his final years. After Athelbero’s death in 987, Bernward entered the imperial court as chaplain. The Empress-Regent Theophano soon appointed him tutor to her young son, Otto III, who was then only six years old. Bernward continued his service at the imperial court until 993, when he was elected Bishop of Hildesheim.

Renowned for his exceptional piety, Bishop Bernward lived a life deeply rooted in prayer and self-discipline. His artistic talents and technical skills were consistently placed at the service of the Church. Shortly before his death in 1022, he received the Benedictine habit. Pope Celestine III canonized him in 1193.