Sebaldus
Sebaldus was an Anglo-Saxon missionary active in Germany during the 9th or 10th century. He is primarily remembered as the patron saint of Nuremberg, where he settled as a hermit in the Reichswald. Legends surrounding his life include various origin stories and accounts of miracles, such as refilling a jug of wine and causing a mocker to be swallowed by the earth.
- Feast Day
- August 19
- Century
- 10th century
- Country Or Region
- Germany
Key Facts
- ›Sebaldus was an Anglo-Saxon missionary to Germany in the 9th or 10th century.
- ›He settled as a hermit in the Reichswald near Nuremberg.
- ›He is the patron saint of Nuremberg.
- ›Legends claim he was of Franconian origin and a contemporary of Henry III.
- ›One popular legend, the "Miracle of the Icicles," describes him creating a fire from icicles.
- ›His cult in Nuremberg dates to the late eleventh century.
Sebald
Nuremberg
About Sebaldus
Sebaldus, also known as Sebald, was an Anglo-Saxon missionary who lived and ministered in Germany during the 9th or 10th century. He is primarily remembered for his life as a hermit, settling in the Reichswald near Nuremberg, and for his eventual recognition as the patron saint of that city. While historical certainty surrounding his life is limited, a rich tradition of legends and veneration has developed around him.
Legends and Miracles
Much of what is known about Sebaldus comes from later legends, as almost all specific details of his life remain uncertain. One early legend from around 1280 suggests he was a contemporary of Henry III and of Franconian origin, becoming a preacher in Nuremberg after a pilgrimage to Italy. Other traditions propose he was a Frankish nobleman, or even the son of the king of Denmark, or a student in Paris who abandoned his bride to embark on a pilgrimage.
Throughout his life, Sebaldus is credited with performing several miracles. These are recorded on his shrine and include feats such as curing blindness, conjuring wine from thin air, and causing a mocker to be swallowed by the earth. The "Miracle of the Icicles" is among his most popular legends: while sheltering with a poor peasant family during winter, Sebaldus directed the wife to gather icicles, which he then threw into their hearth, transforming them into a powerful fire.
Veneration and Legacy
Despite the obscure origins and uncertain historicity of Sebaldus himself, his cult has been deeply intertwined with Nuremberg. The earliest evidence of his veneration dates to the late eleventh century. In 1255, he became a co-patron of the rebuilt parochial church, where his tomb was revered. His feast day, August 19, appeared in a calendar from Olomouc between 1131–1137, and the city saw many children born with his name.
Sebaldus was formally canonized by Pope Martin V on March 26, 1425, at the request of the Council of Nuremberg. By 1429, florins from Nuremberg began to feature his image. A significant artistic testament to his veneration is the Late Gothic bronze tomb created by Peter Vischer the Elder and his sons between 1508–1519 in the Church of St. Sebaldus, considered a masterpiece of the German Renaissance. The cult of Sebaldus survived the Reformation and extended to Italy, where he is venerated as San Sinibaldo, with an altar dedicated to him in Venice and a painting by Sebastiano del Piombo in the same church.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Sebaldus live?
Sebaldus was an Anglo-Saxon missionary to Germany in the 9th or 10th century. Some legends place him as a contemporary of Henry III (died 1056) or even in the 8th century.
Where did Sebaldus minister?
Sebaldus is associated with the Reichswald near Nuremberg, where he settled as a hermit. He is the patron saint of the city of Nuremberg.
What are some legends about Sebaldus?
Legends about Sebaldus include varied origin stories, such as being of Franconian noble birth or the son of the king of Denmark. He is also credited with miracles, including the "Miracle of the Icicles" where he created fire from icicles.
When did the veneration of Sebaldus begin?
The cult of Sebaldus can be dated to the late eleventh century, with a reference in the chronicle of Lambert of Hersfeld under the year 1072. He became co-patron of a parochial church in Nuremberg in 1255.
How was Sebaldus canonized?
Sebaldus was formally canonized by Pope Martin V on March 26, 1425, following a request by the Council of Nuremberg.
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