Bl Herman the Cripple

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Born deformed with a cleft palate, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida, Herman was cared for from age 7 by the Benedictine monks of the Reichenau abbey of Germany. He was professed as a monk there at age 20. Although he was bedridden and a speech impediment made him nearly impossible to understand, Herman was a genius, who studied and wrote on astronomy, theology, math, history, poetry, Arabic, Greek, and Latin. He also built astonomical equipment and musical instruments and was the most famous religious poet of his day. When he eventually became blind, Herman began writing hymns. His “Salve Regina,” or “Hail Holy Queen,” is the best known. Blessed Herman died at the age of 40 of causes related to his afflictions in 1054. He was beatified in 1863.

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2 Comments

  1. Sr. Karen-Therese on

    Well, I had never heard of Blessed Herman the Cripple before and I am very inspired and impressed! I really think more people should know about this special “saint” (blessed). I, too, am severely disabled and Blessed Herman would be a good patron (like Little Margaret of Costello) for the disabled. Considering today they want to abort these “burdens”, a thousand years ago look at what love and care did for this intelligent, gifted soul. And, in turn, look what this gifted soul has done for our Catholic family! (I love the Salve Regina).

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