Corbinian
Saint Corbinian was a Frankish bishop who, after a period as a hermit, was sent to Bavaria by Pope Gregory II. He is chiefly remembered for his opposition to Duke Grimoald's marriage to his brother's widow, which led to his exile, and for his missionary work in Bavaria. His iconography is notably represented by the symbol of a saddled bear.
- Feast Day
- September 8
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- Bavaria
Key Facts
- ›He was born Waldegiso and later renamed Corbinian by his mother.
- ›Corbinian lived as a hermit near Chartres for fourteen years.
- ›Pope Gregory II sent him to Bavaria to minister to Duke Grimoald.
- ›He was exiled for opposing Duke Grimoald's marriage to his brother's widow, Biltrudis.
- ›His body was translated to Freising Cathedral in 769.
- ›His feast day is September 8.
Corbinien, Korbinian
Saddled Bear
About Corbinian
Saint Corbinian
Saint Corbinian (c. 670 – c. 730) was a Frankish bishop whose missionary work significantly impacted Bavaria. Born Waldegiso, he was renamed Corbinian by his mother. After fourteen years as a hermit near Chartres, he made a pilgrimage to Rome.
Life and Ministry
In Rome, Pope Gregory II commissioned Corbinian to evangelize Bavaria, sending him to minister to Duke Grimoald. Corbinian established a Benedictine monastery and school on a mountain near Freising, which later became Weihenstephan Abbey. His ministry was marked by opposition to Duke Grimoald's marriage to his brother's widow, Biltrudis, an act that led to Corbinian's temporary exile. He returned to Freising after Grimoald's death and continued his apostolic labors until his death in 730.
Corbinian's Bear and Iconography
Corbinian is famously symbolized by a saddled bear. According to his hagiography, a bear carried his pack horse on the journey to Rome, illustrating the saint's command over nature and the burden of his episcopal office. This symbol has been adopted in both civic and ecclesiastical heraldry, notably by Pope Benedict XVI, who saw in the bear a representation of himself being "tamed by God" to bear spiritual responsibilities.
Legacy
Corbinian's relics were translated to Freising Cathedral in 769. His foundational work in Bavaria and his enduring iconographic symbol ensure his continued veneration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Corbinian?
Saint Corbinian was a Frankish bishop who lived from approximately 670 to 730. He is known for his missionary work in Bavaria and for his opposition to Duke Grimoald's incestuous marriage.
Why is Corbinian associated with a bear?
According to his hagiography, a bear killed Corbinian's pack horse on his pilgrimage to Rome. Corbinian then commanded the bear to carry his load, and it obeyed. This legend has led to the saddled bear becoming his symbol.
What is Corbinian's feast day?
Saint Corbinian's feast day is celebrated on September 8. The commemoration of the translation of his relics is observed on November 20.
Where did Corbinian minister?
After being sent by Pope Gregory II, Corbinian ministered in Bavaria. He established a monastery and school near Freising.
What is the significance of Corbinian's bear symbol?
The saddled bear is interpreted symbolically. It can represent the bishop himself being tamed by God's grace to bear the burdens of his episcopate, or the taming of paganism by Christianity.
Related Saints
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Pope Sergius I
Pope Sergius I was the bishop of Rome from 687 to 701, revered as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. He is chiefly remembered for his steadfast refusal to accept the canons of the Quinisext Council, leading to a confrontation with Emperor Justinian II. His election itself was notable, occurring after a dispute between two rival candidates.
Willibald
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