Martyr of hospitality

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Meinrad, hermit and holy martyr, for whom Saint Meinrad Archabbey is named. He is often called the "Martyr of Hospitality," a virtue held dear by Benedictine monks. Upon the site of the hermitage (which in German is einsiedeln) where he was killed by two robbers in 861 was built the venerable monastery of Einsiedeln in Switzerland. Centuries later, the Swiss monks of Einsiedeln establised an American foundation--Saint Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana in 1854.

Pictured above is a 15th-Century block book from Einsiedeln's library on the Life of St. Meinrad. The artwork depicts the martyr's death. Notice the two ravens, which are part of the insignia for Einsiedeln--and Saint Meinrad Archabbey.

Click here if you would like to read an English translation of a 10th-Century Latin account of the life and death of St. Meinrad.

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O God, you are made glorious
in the martyrdom of the hermit Meinrad.
Through his intercession help me
grow in my love for you
and in devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
May I follow his example
in Christ-like hospitality
and in single-hearted prayer.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.