Rumbold of Mechelen

Who was Rumbold of Mechelen?

Saint Rumbold was an Irish or Scottish [no distinction was made in the 6th & 7th century between Scotland & Ireland as separate nation states. Ireland was known as the land of the Scots whose clans had been migrating in large numbers to what is now known as Scotland. Clan districts, not nation states were the means of identification. Rumold or Rumoldus was most likely a descriptive name "ru" suggesting redness] Christian missionary, although his true nationality is not known for certain. He was martyred near Mechelen by two men, whom he had denounced for their evil ways.

Saint Rumbold's feast day is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church, and Western Rite Orthodox Churches, on June 24; and it is celebrated in Ireland on 3 July. He is the patron saint of Mechelen, where St. Rumbold's Cathedral possesses an elaborate golden shrine on its high altar, containing relics attributed to the saint. It is rumoured that his remains are buried inside the cathedral. Twenty-five paintings in the choir illustrate his life.