Rupert of Bingen

Who was Rupert of Bingen?

Saint Rupert of Bingen was the son of Bertha of Bingen, a Christian noblewoman. His father was a pagan called Robold. After the latter's death, the child was raised as a Christian by his mother. Bertha and Rupert share a feast day on May 15.

Rupert undertook a pilgrimage to Rome aged 15, and is regarded as patron saint of pilgrims. After his return, he used his inherited wealth to found churches, living with his mother on a hill at the Nahe River, near Bingen. Rupert died from a fever, aged 20.

Saint Hildegard of Bingen held great veneration for Rupert. She compiled a Vita Sancti Ruperti and founded her own monastery of Rupertsberg at the site of Rupert's burial.

During the Thirty Years' War, Rupert's relics were transferred to Eibingen, and his arm is still on display in a reliquary in Eibingen church.