Druthmar von Corvey

Who they were

Drutmar was a Benedictine abbot of the imperial abbey of Corvey who lived in the late 10th and first half of the 11th century. Little is known of his youth, but he came from the monastery of Lorsch, from where Emperor Henry II chose him to lead Corvey after the deposition of Abbot Walo, following complaints from Bishop Meinwerk of Paderborn. His arrival was not welcomed by the monks, who saw him as a superior imposed from outside rather than elected by the community.

Through his piety, learning, religious zeal and skill in governing, Drutmar gradually won his brethren's respect, leading the abbey into a period of spiritual renewal and prosperity. He died at Corvey on 15 February 1046 and was venerated as blessed at once, together with Abbot Saint Ludolf. A 17th-century wooden statue showing him with his abbatial attributes was kept in the abbey choir; the Corvey annals record his feast on 13 August, a date still found in some calendars, though the oldest Western tradition keeps 15 February.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: he has been honoured as blessed since before the Church's formal processes began.

Why that counted as sanctity

Benedictine abbot of Corvey, appointed by Emperor Henry II, who led the abbey through a period of renewal; died 15 February 1046 and was venerated as blessed at once.

The cause