Otto of Bamberg

Otto of Bamberg was born around 1060 or 1061 to a noble family in the Swabian Jura of southern Germany. Trained for the Church, he served as chaplain at the Polish court and later as chancellor to Emperor Henry IV, helping oversee the building of Speyer Cathedral. In 1102 he was appointed Bishop of Bamberg, where he lived simply while tirelessly strengthening both the spiritual and practical life of his people. He restored and advanced the cathedral and schools, founded monasteries, churches, hospitals, and aided the poor from his own resources. A gifted peacemaker during the Investiture Controversy, he helped prepare the way for the Concordat of Worms. Otto is especially venerated as the “Apostle of Pomerania.” Sent as a papal legate, he evangelized with patience and generosity, baptizing many and founding churches across Pomerania, returning again when faith faltered. He died on June 30, 1139, and was canonized in 1189. He is patron of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bamberg. His feast day is June 30.