Reginbert of Hagenau facts for kids
Reginbert of Hagenau (also known as Raimbert) was an important church leader in the 1100s. He was born into a noble family from Hagenau, Austria. In 1130, he became the head of the St. Pölten Abbey, a type of monastery. Later, in 1138, he was chosen to be the bishop of Passau, a powerful position in the church. He died on November 10, 1148.
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Reginbert's Family Background
Reginbert came from the noble Hagenau family in Austria. His father, Reimprecht of Hagenau, helped start the Seitenstetten Abbey. Reginbert had an older brother named Werinhart and a younger brother named Hartwig. He also had a younger sister, Richarde, who became a nun at the Seitenstetten Abbey.
Reginbert was also connected to the Counts of Peylnstein and Playen (Plain). This shows that his family had ties to other important noble families of the time.
Becoming a Bishop
After Bishop Reginmar passed away in 1138, Reginbert was chosen to take his place as the Bishop of Passau. In 1139, Pope Innocent II officially made him a priest and then a bishop. The fact that he needed to be ordained as a priest first suggests he was a deacon before becoming a bishop.
Reginbert's Time as Bishop
During his time as bishop, Reginbert worked closely with his family, especially his brother Hartwig. He made sure his family was involved in the church's activities and decisions.
Important Decisions and Conflicts
Reginbert supported the Staufer family during their conflict with the Welfen family. These were two powerful groups in the Holy Roman Empire.
In 1139, Reginbert tried to choose the new head of the Ranshofen Abbey without the monks' full agreement. However, Pope Innocent II stepped in. The Pope said the monks had to have a free election, and they chose Manegold.
From 1139 to 1144, Reginbert had a disagreement with the Reichersberg monastery. He wanted them to pay a "tenth" (a tax) to the Passau bishop. But the Pope said that church members who worked their own land did not have to pay this tax. Reginbert ignored the Pope's order three times. Finally, when Pope Lucius II took stronger action, Reginbert gave in. This likely saved him from being removed from the church.
Building and Leadership
In 1140, Reginbert attended a big meeting called the Reichstag in Frankfurt. He also helped build a hospital and, around 1143, the first bridge with a defensive gate in Passau. This bridge was important for protecting the city.
Under Reginbert's leadership, several monasteries were founded, including Zwettl, Baumgartenberg, Suben, Altenburg, and Waldhausen. In 1146, he appointed his brother Hartwig to lead the hospital in Vöcklabruck.
Joining the Second Crusade
As a loyal supporter of the Staufer family, Reginbert joined Konrad III on the Second Crusade. This was a major religious war. He left with his group in 1147 to meet Konrad's army in Regensburg. On his way, Reginbert dedicated the Stephanskirche in Vienna. This church was the predecessor to the famous St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Sadly, Reginbert became ill on his way back from Palestine through the Byzantine Empire. He died there on November 10, 1148.
Family Inheritance After the Crusade
Before going on the Second Crusade, Reginbert convinced his brother Hartwig to make a will. Hartwig had no children, so Reginbert wanted his property to go to the Passau diocese (the church area governed by the bishop).
Hartwig also went on the crusade. After his death, there was a disagreement over his land. Hartwig's other brother, Werinhardt, and his sons claimed the land. Hartwig's widow also had claims, and so did the Passau diocese.
Henry II, Duke of Austria, held a court meeting to decide the matter. He ruled in favor of the new Bishop of Passau, Konrad I of Passau. In 1150, the Passau diocese received the Lehenhagenau land near Braunau. Hartwig's brother and his sons were given other rewards.
