Evermode of Ratzeburg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Evermode of Ratzeburg O.Praem
St. Evermode (centre), flanked by Sts. Ludolph and Isfrid
Religious, bishop, Light of the Saxons and Apostle of the Wends
Born	c. 1100 County of Hainaut, Holy Roman Empire
Died	17 February 1178 Ratzeburg, Prince-Bishopric of Ratzeburg, Holy Roman Empire
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church (Norbertine Canons Regular; Ratzeburg)
Canonized	1728 (cultus confirmed) by Pope Benedict XIII
Feast	17 February

Saint Evermode (born around 1100, died February 17, 1178) was an important early member of a religious group called the Premonstratensians. He was a close friend and helper of Norbert of Xanten, who started this group in 1120. Evermode is sometimes called the "Apostle of the Wends" because he helped spread Christianity among these people.

The Life of Saint Evermode

Evermode was born in what is now Belgium around the year 1100. When he was about 20 years old, he heard Norbert of Xanten preach in a city called Cambrai. Evermode was so inspired that he decided to join Norbert's new religious community.

He traveled with Norbert to Antwerp. Later, in 1126, they went to Magdeburg, a town where many people still followed old pagan beliefs. Norbert had been chosen as the bishop there. Evermode stayed with Norbert, even caring for him when he was dying in 1134. He made sure Norbert was buried in the church of the Norbertine Priory of Our Lady in Magdeburg. This priory was a religious community that Norbert had formed. Just before Norbert's death, he made Evermode the acting leader, or provost, of another priory called Gottesgnaden.

Evermode's Leadership and Missions

In 1138, Evermode was chosen as the permanent provost of the Priory of Our Lady in Magdeburg. In this role, he helped start new Premonstratensian communities in places like Havelberg, Jerichow, Quedlinburg, and Pöhlde. He served as provost until 1154.

That year, he was named the Bishop of Ratzeburg. He was the first bishop there since the town was destroyed by the Wends in 1066. The Archbishop of Mainz officially made him a bishop. Evermode then turned the group of clergy at the Ratzeburg cathedral into a Premonstratensian community.

A main goal for Bishop Evermode was to teach the Wendish people about Christianity. He traveled all over his diocese, speaking to them in their own language. He worked very hard to spread his faith.

Evermode's Final Years

Evermode became very tired from all his work. He died in 1178 and was buried in the cathedral he had helped build. Another Norbertine, Isfrid, took his place as bishop.

Honoring Saint Evermode

Evermode is honored as a saint. His recognition as a saint was officially approved by Pope Benedict XIII in 1728. Today, he is honored in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hamburg, which covers the area where he worked. He is also honored by the Norbertine Order. His special day, or feast day, is celebrated every year on February 17.

He is often shown in pictures as a bishop giving a blessing.

Learn More

• Saint Evermode of Ratzeburg, patron saint archive