Kilian of Cologne facts for kids

Kilian of Cologne was an important Irish Abbot who lived a long time ago. He passed away on January 19, 1003. Kilian played a key role in the history of a famous monastery in Cologne, a city in what is now Germany.

Kilian was born in Ireland. In the year 974, he traveled with a group of Irish missionaries to Cologne. These missionaries were led by a man named Minnborinus of Cologne. When they arrived, they started a new religious community called St. Martin's Abbey. This abbey was built on an island in the Rhine River. Minnborinus was the first leader, or abbot, of this abbey. After Minnborinus died in 986, Kilian took over as the new abbot.

Kilian's Role as Abbot

Kilian was known as a very religious and respected leader. When he became abbot, he received important support from powerful people. The Archbishop of Cologne, named Evergerus, and the Emperor Otho III, both agreed to help Kilian's monastery.

Gifts and Support for the Abbey

The Archbishop and Emperor gave many valuable things to St. Martin's Abbey. These gifts were meant to help the monks who lived there and the "pilgrim monks" who traveled through. The gifts included:

• Several farms, which provided food and resources.
• Fishing rights in the Rhine River, a great source of food.
• Three churches, which were important places for worship.
• Several "manses," which were like large houses or estates.
• Vineyards, where grapes were grown for wine.
• Freedom from some taxes in the city and the wider empire. This meant the monastery didn't have to pay as much money to the government.

Leading More Than One Monastery

Kilian was also put in charge of another important monastery in Cologne, called St. Pantaleon. This meant he was responsible for leading both St. Martin's Abbey and St. Pantaleon. It seems there were Irish monks living in both of these monasteries, showing a strong connection to Ireland.

Kilian's Legacy

Kilian died on January 19, 1003. After his death, the strong connection between St. Martin's Abbey and its Irish roots seemed to become less important over time. However, Kilian's work helped establish and strengthen these important religious centers in medieval Europe.

See also

• Tilmo
• Marianus Scotus
• Schottenklöster