Codice prodotto: L10339
Memorial Day: August 14
When did Saint Meinhard live: 1130/1140 - 1196
BIOGRAPHY:
Saint Meinhard was born around 1130/1140 and became a member of the Order of Augustinian Canons at the Segeberg Monastery in Holstein. In the 1170s or early 1180s, he accompanied German merchants to Livonia (modern-day Latvia) to evangelize the local pagan population. He settled in Üxküll (now Ikskile) on the banks of the Daugava River and, in 1184, built a stone church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. To protect the people from attacks, he had a fortress constructed with the help of stonemasons from Gotland. In 1186, he was consecrated as the first Bishop of Livonia by Archbishop Hartwig II of Bremen, and in 1188, Pope Clement III confirmed the diocese. Despite his efforts, he faced resistance and apostasy among his converts. He passed away on August 14, 1196, in Livonia, and his remains were later transferred to Riga Cathedral. In 1993, he was canonized by Pope John Paul II.
PATRONAGE:
St. Meinhard is the patron saint of Latvia and is venerated as the apostle of the Estonians and Latvians.
SYMBOLISM, DEPICTION:
The symbol of San Meinhard is the pilgrim's staff, which symbolizes his missionary activity.
PATRON SAINT OF:
Meinhard, Meinhardt, Meinrad, Meinhold, Meino, Meindert, Meik, Meino, Meinhart, Meindl, Mainardo, Meinhardo, Maino, Meinardon.