Bishop of the Roman Empire

Well, I am sure there was more than one but during this pivotal time in history, today's saint played an important part.  He has become important in our lives also as his feast happens to fall on our son's birthday!

St. Heribert of Cologne

Feast day: March 162
Birth: 970
Death: 1021
Patron of Rain
Nobility
Germany

Heribert was the son of a count and well educated from youth at the cathedral school of Lorraine.  He was later ordained a priest in 994 at the same cathedral.  Later in the same year, Emperor Otto III appointed him chancellor for Italy and four years later also for Germany, a position which he held until Otto's death in 1002. Heribert accompanied Otto to Rome in 996 and again in 997, and was still in Italy when he was elected Archbishop of Cologne by Pope Sylvester II.

Heribert was present at the time of the emperor's death and was chosen to accompany the royal procession upon the return to Germany.  While returning to Germany with the Emperor's remains and the imperial insignia, he was held captive for some time by the future Henry II, whose candidacy he at first opposed, but whom he served faithfully subsequently.

Heribert served Emperor Henry (feast day July 13) well for the remainder of his life. Heribert built the monastery of Deutz.  He also performed miracles, includ­ing ending a drought. He is thus invoked for rains.

Heribert died in Cologne on March 16, 1021  and was buried at Deutz.