Erlembald

Saint Erlembald

Saint Erlembald (died 15 April 1075), also known as Erlembaldo Cotta, was a prominent figure in 11th-century Milan, serving as the political and military leader of the pataria movement. This movement was dedicated to reforming the clergy and the church within the Ambrosian diocese.

Life and Historical Context

Erlembald hailed from the Cotta family, who were valvassores and vassals of the archdiocese. In his early career, he was known as a "captain." After returning from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1063, he intended to become a monk. However, the deacon Ariald persuaded him to take his brother's place at the head of the pataria. Unlike many figures in such movements, Erlembald was a soldier by profession, not a cleric.

Leadership and Conflict

In 1064, Erlembald traveled to Rome to seek the support of Pope Alexander II. Upon his return to Milan, he demonstrated the evolving nature of the pataria by residing in a palace near the church of Saint Victor and the Forty Martyrs. With papal approval, he began to exert his authority forcefully over the clergy, which included deposing abbots and taking action against the bishop, Guido da Velate. Bishop Guido was accused of making false oaths, specifically for failing to combat simony within his province. This led to resistance from Guido and his supporters, and the patarini faced significant opposition, including an interdict imposed on the city.

The conflict escalated with the death of Ariald, who was captured and executed. Erlembald recovered Ariald's body and reburied it in Milan, contributing to a resurgence of Ariald's popularity. A papal legation later provided moral support to Erlembald at a congregation in Vallombrosa.

Shifting Alliances and Appointed Archbishop

In 1069, Guido da Velate renounced his position to Gotofredo da Castiglione, with the backing of Emperor Henry IV. This led to further violence and unrest in Milan. By 1070, Guido sought to reclaim his archbishopric from Erlembald, but was refused. Erlembald then placed Guido in S. Celso and later in the see of Bergoglio. On January 6, 1072, Erlembald appointed Atto as archbishop, in opposition to the imprisoned Gotofredo.

Initially, the German court strongly opposed this appointment, but their opposition waned in 1073 when Henry IV faced revolts in Saxony and ceded his rights in Milan to Pope Gregory VII. Pope Gregory confirmed Atto's appointment and lent his support to Erlembald.

Final Years and Legacy

At the height of his influence, in April 1075, a fire devastated Milan's cathedral, which was interpreted by some as a sign of divine displeasure with the pataria. Opposition factions united against Erlembald, and he was killed in the ensuing battle while suppressing the revolt. He was buried in S. Celso.

Erlembald was later canonized, and his relics were transferred to S. Dionigi in Milan in 1095. His feast day is celebrated on July 27. His legacy is tied to his tenacious leadership in Milan's reformist struggles and his role in challenging established ecclesiastical power structures.