Saint Reinhold of Cologne

Biography

Saint Reinhold of Cologne, also known as Reinhold of Koln, Reinhold of Dortmund, Rainald of..., Reinold of..., Reinout of..., Reynold of..., Rinaldo of..., and Rinold of..., was a relative of Charlemagne and a Benedictine monk. He is best remembered for his supervision of the building operations at Saint Pantaleon Abbey in Cologne, Germany. Reinhold was renowned for his diligence and unwavering dedication to his work. He dedicated his life to the service of God and worked tirelessly to ensure the successful completion of the abbey. However, his exceptional work ethic seemed to threaten the pride and ego of the construction workers involved. Overwhelmed by jealousy and feeling inferior, they conspired against Reinhold. Tragically, in the year 960, Reinhold was brutally murdered by the very workers he had supervised. The construction laborers, driven by their envy and resentment, took his life by beating him to death with hammers. The motive for their cruel actions was rooted in Reinhold's exceptional work, which made them look inadequate in comparison. Despite the horrific nature of his death, Reinhold's legacy lived on through divine intervention. His body was callously thrown into the Rhine River, but through a divine revelation, it was later discovered and recovered. The fact that his body was found served as a testament to his saintly nature and the significance of his work. The relics of Saint Reinhold were initially transferred to the church of Saint Rheinold in Dortmund, Germany, in 1059. This act recognized and honored his connection to the city and the people he had served. Some of his relics were also transferred to Cologne, Germany, further strengthening his ties to the region. In 1616, a portion of Saint Reinhold's relics were transferred to Toledo, Spain. This event marked the widespread veneration of the saint, extending his intercessory power beyond Germany and into other parts of Europe. Saint Reinhold's feast days are celebrated on January 7th (formerly observed on March 7th). These occasions serve as a reminder of his virtuous life and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his faith. Revered and honored as a martyr, Saint Reinhold is recognized as the patron saint against plagues, as well as the patron of sculptors, stone masons, and stonecutters. His representation in religious art often depicts him as a monk with a stone mason's hammer, symbolizing his unwavering dedication to his work and his untimely demise at the hands of jealous craftsmen. Another representation shows him being killed by the very stone masons he had supervised, emphasizing the tragedy of his death. Saint Reinhold of Cologne, through his extraordinary commitment and sacrifice, is a shining example of faith and dedication to the Catholic community. His life story serves as an inspiration for all those who strive to fulfill their duties with unwavering devotion.