Detail From The Painting Vision Of Blessed Joseph Herman By Anthony Van Dyck 1629 Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna Austria

Blessed Herman Joseph

Also known as: Hermann Joseph

Blessed

Post-Congregation

Feast Day

7 April; 24 May (translation of relics; Premonstratensians); 21 May (diocese of Cologne, Germany

Born

C.1150 at Cologne, Germany

Died

7 April 1241 in Hoven, Germany of natural causes; buried at the Cistercian convent at Hoven; relics transferred to a marble tomb at Steinfeld, Germany; some relics in Cologne, Germany; some relics in Antwerp, Belgium

Beatified

1958 by Pope Pius XII (cultus confirmed)

Biography

Blessed Herman Joseph was the son of Saint Hildegund and displayed a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary from his earliest years, spending his free time in prayer at the nearby church of Saint Mary. He entered the Premonstratensian order at Steinfeld, Germany, where he served as a canon and sacristan. Herman Joseph became renowned as a mystic whose extraordinary spiritual experiences drew attention throughout the regions of modern Germany. His otherworldly visions and deep contemplative life were combined with practical service to his community. He was also known for his tender charity and his writings on the spiritual life, which reflected the intensity of his devotion to Mary and the Eucharist.