Simpert

Simpert (c. 750 – October 13, 807) was a significant religious figure of the late 8th and early 9th centuries, serving as both an abbot and a bishop. Tradition suggests he was a nephew of the emperor Charlemagne. His early religious life began at Murbach Abbey in Alsace, where he embraced the Benedictine way of life and was subsequently elected abbot.

In 778, Charlemagne appointed Simpert as the bishop of Augsburg. During his tenure, he focused on consolidating and reinforcing the authority and jurisdiction of his bishopric. He maintained residences in several locations, living alternately at Neuburg an der Donau, Staffelsee Abbey, and Augsburg. A notable aspect of his episcopacy was his role as abbot of Murbach concurrently with his bishopric, meaning he governed both the diocese and the monastery simultaneously. Simpert also contributed to the physical infrastructure of his diocese by rebuilding the Basilica of St. Afra's, among other religious buildings.

Simpert died on October 13, 807, and his remains were interred at St. Afra's church. His veneration has a long history, with his cultus being formally approved in 1468. Since 1624, he has been recognized as a secondary patron of the city of Augsburg, reflecting his enduring significance in the region's religious history.