Meinhard of Livonia, St.

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MEINHARD OF LIVONIA, ST.

Also known as Meinrad, Augustinian missionary, bishop; b. ca. 1130 in Germany; d. Aug. 14, 1196, Yxkill, Livonia (near Riga, Latvia). Meinhard entered religious life at the monastery of Segelberg, Germany. Following his profession as an Augustinian canon regular and ordination as a priest, he left the safety of his monastery to preach in pagan lands. He was consecrated the first bishop of Livonia (c. 1184) and fixed his see at Yxkill on the Düna. He brought monks from his former convent to form a community of canons regular at his castle. Christianity found firm footing in the region due to his efforts to form a native clergy and establish standards for their training. Originally he was buried at his castle in Livonia. The see was transferred to Riga (1201) following his death, and his relics translated later that century to Riga's cathedral. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II at Riga, Latvia, Sept. 8, 1993.

Feast: April 12.

Bibliography: s. kucinskis, Svetais Meinards: Ikskiles biskaps, 11861196: Latvijas apustulis (Riga 1993).

[k. i. rabenstein]