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Saint Disibod of Disenberg

image courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University Also known as

Disibod of the Rhineland
Disibod the Hermit
Disen…
Disibode…
Disibodos…
Disibódo…

Memorial

8 September
8 July (translation of relics)
9 September on some calendars

Profile

Disibod travelled from his native Ireland c.640 to live as a pilgim and a hermit on the banks of the Rhine River near the city of Mainz (in modern Germany); tradition says that his travelling companions were named Giswald, Clement and Sallust. His reputation for holiness and wisdom attracted a number of would-be spiritual students, and with them he built a monastery on the banks of the river Nahe, placing it under the Benedictine Rule; legend says that a deer helped pick the construction site by digging up a spring of fresh water, and it was confirmed when Disobod stuck his walking stick in the ground and the area became green with plants. The settlement that grew up around it became the city of Disenberg (Disibodenburg). Against his wishes, he was elevated to regional bishop, serving mainly in the rural areas without a fixed diocese, and living in a traditionally Irish bee-hive anchorite‘s cell. He won many converts in the region, and was reported to be a miracle worker. Saint Hildegard of Bingen later stayed in the monastery, and wrote a biography of him based on visions she received.