Saint Pirmin
FOUNDER OF MURBACH AND REGIONAL BISHOP (758).
Abbot, founder of Murbach and regional bishop
Saint Pirmin, an 8th-century abbot and bishop, was a great missionary and founder of famous abbeys such as Reichenau, Murbach, and Hornbach. Protected by Charles Martel, he evangelized the regions of the Rhine and Switzerland. He is traditionally invoked against poisoning and for pregnant women.
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SAINT PIRMIN, ABBOT,
FOUNDER OF MURBACH AND REGIONAL BISHOP (758).
Origins and early foundations
Pirmin, of uncertain French origin, established his mission center at Meltis, identified by some as Medelsheim, and founded the abbey of Hornbach.
It is generally believed t hat Pi Pirmin 8th-century founding abbot and missionary. rmin was of French origin, and that he left his parents early on to devote himself to preaching and the duties of the holy ministry. The monk Warman n, who Warmann 16th-century monk and biographer of Saint Pirmin. wrote his history around the year 1525, tells us that he had established the center of his missions at the cast le of Meltis Initial mission site, identified as Medelsheim. Meltis: from this, some writers have concluded that he was bishop of Metz or Meaux, which is not likely; for his name does not appear anywhere in the catalog of the bishops of these two cities. Modern hagiographers claim, with more foundation, that this Meltis is nothing other than the village of Medelsheim, located i Medelsheim Village identified as the historical Meltis. n the country of Zweibrücken, in the diocese of Speyer; for it is only two leagues from there that the famous abbey of Ho rnbach was located abbaye de Hornbach Abbey founded by Saint Pirmin around 740. , which Saint Pirmin founded around the year 740, and which became one of his most flourishing colonies.
Call to mission and journey to Rome
Called by the lord Synilaz to evangelize the provinces of the Rhine, Pirmin traveled to Rome to receive papal approval.
It was from Meltis that our Saint departed to undertake his apostolic journeys. Around the year 723, a German lord, named Syni laz, ca Synilaz German lord who called upon Pirmin to evangelize the Rhine region. lled upon him to preach the Christian religion in a part of the Rhine provinces. Pirmin first went to Rome to receive his mission there. The Pope welcome Le Pape The authority in Rome to whom Daguin is sent for absolution. d him with great kindness and granted him everything he requested.
Foundation of the Abbey of Reichenau
In Switzerland, Pirmin founded the Abbey of Reichenau on an island in the Rhine near Constance, at the request of Synilaz.
Upon arriving in Switzerland, Pirmin successfully proclaimed the word of God there, and Synilaz asked him to found a monastery on one of his lands. Pirmin chose an island that the Rhine forms near Constan ce and founded ther abbaye de Reichenau Famous abbey founded by Pirmin on an island in the Rhine. e the Abbey of Reichenau, which became so famous for its riches.
Protection of Charles Martel and foundation of Murbach
Driven out by the dukes of Germany but supported by Charles Martel, he retired to Alsace where he founded the abbey of Murbach.
The reputation of Pirmin, while earning him the esteem of Charles Mar tel, excited t Charles Martel Mayor of the palace, possible ancestor of the saint. he jealousy of the dukes of Germany, who forced him to leave his abbey and retire to Alsace. Supported by the authority and the generosity of Charles Martel, Pirmin spread the benefits of his zeal there to the numerous religious houses of the Rhenish provinces. Soon, at the request of the Duke of Alsace, he founded the famous abbey of Mu rbach. He spent t abbaye de Murbach Alsatian abbey founded by Pirmin. he rest of his life visiting various monasteries and restoring discipline there.
Death and translation of relics
Pirmin died in 758; his relics, initially at Hornbach, were transferred to Innsbruck during the wars of religion.
Pirmin fell asleep in the Lord on November 3, 758. His name is read in the 9th-century Alsatian martyrology, which Lamey published. As early as 827, he was given the title of Saint. His relics were kept in the abbey of Hornbach until the time of the wars of religion, when they were transferred to Innsbruck, in Tyrol.
Iconography and popular devotions
Associated with the miracle of the expulsion of the snakes at Reichenau, he is invoked against diseases and for childbirth.
He is usually depicted putting a multitude of snakes to flight; when he founded the abbey of Reichenau on an island in Lake Constance, he drove from the island the vipers or snakes that had multiplied there enormously. Legend even claims that for three days the surrounding water was covered with these reptiles, which were abandoning their former home. This account is perhaps the origin, perhaps the consequence, of an invocation to Saint Pirmin against unhealthy drinks.
Moreover, one also commends oneself to this Saint against the plague and the consequences of dangerous food. Furthermore, his dalmatic a nd his bel dalmatique Textile relics invoked for childbirth. t were considered a powerful aid to alleviate the pains of pregnant women.
Abbot Huncklor, History of the Saints of Alsace; Father Cahier, Characteristics of the Saints.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Departure from Meltis Castle for his missions
- Journey to Rome to receive his mission from the Pope around 723
- Preaching in Switzerland and foundation of Reichenau Abbey
- Exile to Alsace due to the jealousy of the dukes of Germany
- Foundation of Murbach Abbey under the protection of Charles Martel
- Foundation of Hornbach Abbey around 740
- Died on November 3, 758
Miracles
- Expulsion of a multitude of snakes and reptiles from the island of Reichenau over three days