Blessed Everard Of Stahleck

Biography

Blessed Everard of Stahleck, also known as Everard of Commed, Everard of Chumbd, Everard of Comeda, or Eberhard of Chumbd, was born in 1165 in the Stahleck castle in Bacharach, Rhineland-Palatinate, in modern-day Germany. He belonged to the noble Wolfram family, who were counts of Stahleck.

In his youth, Everard served as a page in the court at Heidelberg, Germany. However, at an early age, he felt a deep calling to religious life and attempted three times to enter the Cistercian abbey of Schönau near Heidelberg. Unfortunately, due to his young age and lack of education, he was repeatedly denied admission.

Undeterred by these setbacks, at the age of 16, Everard decided to build himself a hermitage in Chumbd, Simmern, Hunsrück, within the diocese of Mainz, Germany. He retired there from the world, dedicating his life to prayer, contemplation, and penance. Everard's hermitage soon became a haven for devout individuals seeking spiritual guidance, and his reputation for holiness began to spread.

In 1183, Everard played a crucial role in the establishment of a Cistercian convent for nuns in Chumbd, which was also known as Comeda or Kumbd. He not only provided spiritual direction to the nuns but also inspired his two sisters to join the convent, and his brother followed his example, joining the Cistercians as a lay brother.

Everard embraced the monastic life fully and eventually took religious vows as a Cistercian monk. He was ordained to the sub-diaconate, serving the Church in various capacities and faithfully carrying out his duties within the abbey. As the spiritual director of the nuns in Chumbd, he offered guidance and support to those under his care, helping them deepen their relationship with God and live lives of greater holiness.

Blessed Everard of Stahleck passed away on 30th November 1191, in the monastery of Chumbd, Germany, from natural causes. He was laid to rest in the church of Saint Mary within the monastery. However, when the abbey at Comeda was suppressed in 1566, his relics were transferred to Himmerod Abbey in Großlittgen, Germany. Regrettably, the whereabouts of his relics are currently unknown.

Though not officially venerated or beatified, Blessed Everard of Stahleck's life and devotion to God continue to inspire countless individuals seeking a deeper spiritual connection. His unwavering commitment to a life of prayer, solitude, and service to others serve as a testament to his profound holiness and dedication to God's will.