Saint Engelmaro

Biography

Saint Engelmaro, also known as Engelmaro the Hermit, was born to a humble peasant family in Bavaria, Germany. From a young age, he exhibited a strong devotion to God and a desire to live a life of simplicity and solitude. As a result, he sought refuge in the forest near Passau, Germany, where he embraced the life of a hermit. Engelmaro's reputation for holiness and wisdom quickly spread throughout the region, attracting people who sought his guidance and counsel. Many regarded him as a spiritual guide and sought solace in his words. His unwavering piety and his ability to provide wise counsel endeared him to the local community, and they revered him as a holy man. However, envy and jealousy can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes even for the most virtuous individuals. One particular man became consumed with jealousy due to Engelmaro's popularity and influence. Overwhelmed with envy, this man committed the horrendous act of murdering Engelmaro. The incident occurred on the night of 13 to 14 January 1100 near Passau, Germany. In an attempt to conceal his crime, the killer hid Engelmaro's body in a snowdrift. For several months, the whereabouts of the saint's remains remained unknown. Eventually, during the spring thaw, Engelmaro's body was discovered, allowing for a proper burial and the veneration of his relics. The relics of Saint Engelmaro were eventually transferred to the Promenstatensian church located in Windberg, Germany, in 1331. This church became a center of devotion to the saint, and a unique custom called "searching for Engelmaro" developed in Windberg. This annual tradition involved the villagers embarking on a symbolic search for Engelmaro's body, effectively finding the relics, and then processing them from the forest back to the town in a solemn procession. Saint Engelmaro is venerated as the patron saint of cattle, for good weather, harvests, livestock, and peasants. The faithful invoke his intercession to seek blessings for their agricultural endeavors and to protect their livestock. Additionally, many people turn to Saint Engelmaro during times of challenging weather conditions, requesting his assistance for favorable conditions for their crops and the safety of their livestock. Throughout the centuries, Saint Engelmaro has remained a revered figure in the Catholic Church, serving as a reminder of the power of holiness and the dangers of envy. His life and martyrdom continue to inspire believers to seek a deeper connection with God and to live lives filled with simplicity and devotion.