ST. OTTO, BISHOP

The Saint of the Day for July 2 is ST. OTTO, BISHOP

Born 1060 in Swabia; died June 30, 1139; was Bishop of Bamberg, an indefatigable evengelizer and the apostle of the Pomeranians.

He was born of noble rank and ordained a priest sometime before the age of 30. He joined the service of Emperor Henry IV in 1090 and became his chancellor in 1101. He served the Henry IV and his successor, Henry V, loyally, but disaproved of the latter’s disgraceful treatment of Pope Paschal.

He was consecrated a bishop on 13 May, 1106 and set to work founding new monasteries, reforming existing ones, building schools and churches and completing the cathedral. He lived a poor and simple life and was called the “Father of the monks” for the concern he showed for religious orders.

In 1122 Otto was commissioned by the Polish Duke Boleslaw III to convert Pomerania to Christianity and he set about his mission in 1124 travelling all over Pomerania twice and winning over the people with his holiness, quiet generosity and gentle, inspiring sermons.

The conversion of Pomerania was his greatest apostolic work. He baptized over 22,000 people and established 11 churches. Many miracles were attributed to him throughout his two journeys, and many more after his death.