CAROLOMANNUS (KARLMANN) - 17 AUGUST

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN AUGUST

Saints celebrated on the 17th of August

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VENERABLE CAROLOMANNUS (KARLMANN) 

The venerable Karlmann [Carolomannus, Carloman] was the first-born son of Karl Martell and his wife Rotrudis (Chrotrud), and after the death of his father in 741, he came to govern the provinces of Austrasia, Swabia and Thuringia as king, while his brother Pipin (the little one or the short one) received Neustria, Burgundy and Provence. 

FOR SIX YEARS KARLMANN RULED THUS

For six years Karlmann ruled thus. He supported the building of monasteries at Fulda, Stavelot and Lobbes, and worked closely with Saint Boniface.

By and by, however, he began to strive for higher spiritual victories. Therefore in 747 put the government of his parts of the country in the hands of Pipin, recommended to him the education of his son Drogo, and made a pilgrimage via St Gallen to Rome, where he received the religious habit from the hands of Pope Zacharias [Zachary].

HE SETTLED IN THE SOLITUDE OF MOUNT SORACTE

Afterwards he settled in the solitude of Mount Soracte (not far from Rome). But since he was disturbed by the many visits, he withdrew to the monastery on Monte Cassino with one of his companions, which at that time was under the direction of Abbot Petronax.

WITHOUT ANYONE KNOWING OF HIS HIGH BIRTH, HE JOINED THE MONASTERY INCOGNITO

Without anyone knowing of his high birth, Karlmann humbly joined the divine service just like the other monks - incognito - and after a year he was professed by solemn vows.

KARLMANN WAS DISCOVERED

But when it was his turn, according to the established house rules, to do the services in the kitchen, he by accident committed a clumsiness while washing the dishes. Immediately he received a slap on the ear from the monastery cook, who was of a rough nature. Karlmann's companion, witnessing this, felt to have to avenge this disrespect, and therefore Karlmann was discovered. Following the revelation of Karlmann's true identity by his companion, he was henceforth treated with all courtesy by all the religious in the monastery. 

Sent by his abbot to France to enter into some negotiations with his royal brother about Lombardy, he died on the return journey to Vienne in 755. 

HIS BODY WAS PLACED IN A GOLDEN COFFIN

His body was placed in a golden coffin and sent back to Monte Cassino, where he was interred under the high altar. The religious writers (even Mabillon*) gave Karlmann the title, "blessed" or even "saint", almost as unanimously as others abstained from it. The Bollandists* believe that the title "venerable" (Venerabilis) is due to him. 

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 2, Augsburg, 1861, p. 543)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Blessed Karlmann may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.