Feast Day: September 8
Death: January 1, 765
Saint Corbinian, also known as Korbinian, was born in 670 in Châtres, France as Waldegiso. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that his father, Waldegiso, may have passed away when Corbinian was just an infant. Corbinian led a life of holiness and dedicated himself to the pursuit of God. He spent fourteen years as a hermit, living in a cell near the church of Saint-Germain in Châtres, where his reputation for holiness and miracles quickly spread. Many people sought him out as a spiritual director, and he gathered a community of students around him. However, Corbinian soon realized that his role as a spiritual director was taking away from his life of prayer, and he desired to return to the solitude of a hermit's life. Having a strong devotion to Saint Peter the Apostle, Corbinian decided to move to Rome, Italy. In Rome, he sought the blessing of Pope Saint Gregory II. However, Gregory recognized Corbinian's talents and ordained him as a missionary bishop to Bavaria, which is now part of modern Germany. Duke Grimoald offered his support to Corbinian, and he established his base in Freising. Corbinian's missionary work in Bavaria was fruitful, resulting in the conversion of many souls. He also became the spiritual teacher of Saint Arbeo of Freising. However, his outspokenness and denouncement of Duke Grimoald's incestuous marriage to Biltrudis caused the nobility to turn against him. Biltrudis even conspired to have Corbinian killed. Fearing for his life, Corbinian fled to Meran, Italy, where he sought refuge until Grimoald was killed in battle and Biltrudis was carried off by the Franks. With the threat eliminated, he returned to Bavaria and resumed his missionary work, which occupied the rest of his life. Saint Corbinian's representation is often depicted with a bear. According to a popular legend, his mule was devoured by a bear, and he punished the bear by making it carry his luggage in place of the mule. This story became a symbol of Corbinian's authority over nature. Corbinian's feast days are celebrated on September 8th and November 20th, the latter being the translation of his relics. He is also recognized as one of the saints of the Diocese of Evry, with a separate feast day on November 8th. After his death in 730 of natural causes, Saint Corbinian was buried at the monastery at Meran, Italy. In 765, his relics were translated to Freising, Germany by Bishop Aribo, who was also a biographer of Corbinian. Saint Corbinian is regarded as the patron saint of Freising, Germany, and the Archdiocese of Munich, Germany. His life and mission continue to inspire and guide many in their journey of faith.