Saint Bernold

Saint Bernulf or Bernold of Utrecht (died July 19, 1054) was Bishop of Utrecht from 1026/27 to 1054. Appointed by Emperor Conrad II, he succeeded Saint Adalbold as bishop and served under both Conrad and his successor Henry III. As a powerful figure within the Holy Roman Empire, Bernold was involved in church reforms that reduced episcopal power over monastic orders, strengthened the Cluniac order, and curtailed lay lords' control of churches and church lands. His efforts earned him further expansion of his diocese by Conrad and Henry. A friend to Emperor Henry III, he accompanied him on a 1041 campaign against the Hungarians. During Henry's visits to Utrecht in 1040 and 1042, Bernold expanded the see. A brief rebellion led by Lorraine nobility was defeated by Emperor Henry, and the Council of Aachen in 1049 further expanded Bernold's jurisdiction.

He established Collegiate churches for Saint John (Janskerk), Saint Peter (St Pieterskerk), St. Paul’s Abbey and its church (St Pauluskerk), and the Mariakerk, which together form the Utrecht 'Kerkenkruis.' Saint Bernold died on July 19, 1054, and his relics are venerated in Utrecht. His cult dates back to at least the 14th century, and he was made patron of the Artist's guild of Holland in 1917.