SAINT GUMBERT OF ANSBACH

SAINT GUMBERT OF ANSBACH - 26 NOVEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 26th of November

SAINT GUMBERT OF ANSBACH

Saint Gumbert, who is also spelled Cumbertus, Cunihertus, Gudbertus, Gundpertus, Gundebertus, Guadelbertus, Grumbertus, lived in the 8th century (perhaps still at the beginning of the 9th) in Ansbach in Franconia [Germany].

He was, according to the most reliable research, a knight (miles) of noble lineage, but nevertheless neither - as is sometimes erroneously stated - a duke of Franconia nor a count of Rothenburg on the Tauber.

Pious from his youth, he lived poor in the midst of riches, sober and simple in the midst of pleasures, thinking only of God and serving Him and neighbour with a most lively faith. This was the way of life he had learned from Bishop Burchard of Würzburg, his teacher, who himself had been a student of the great St Boniface.

Gumbert donated any excess of his income to churches in need, especially the cathedral of Würzburg. He built and endowed a church in Ansbach, next to which he founded a Benedictine monastery (around the year 750). Here (not in Würzburg) he was also buried and glorified by God through numerous miracles.

Formerly, the anniversary of his death was celebrated as a public holiday at Ansbach. Both November 26 and March 20 were dedicated to his memory.

Here and there he is referred to as a bishop, although he never had been elevated to that position. Legend has it that the clergy and people of Würzburg desired him as such, but he refused this dignity. At one point Gumbert's mortal remains were exhumed in order to place them in a more prominent location, and - to people's utter surprise - when the coffin was opened St Gumbert was found wearing episcopal robes.

Several towns in Franconia (including Herrieden) boasted of having his relics; it is certain that part of the cranium is preserved at Brussels. His name was and is found in the litanies of the diocese of Würzburg, but has - naturally - disappeared from Ansbach itself since the introduction of the "Reformation" (in 1563). According to the Bollandists* Gumbert's name is also listed in several Italian martyrologies under the designation: S. Gudbertus, priest in Germany. (IV. 61–71.)

Saint Gumbert is also commemorated on March 20 (see above) and July 15.

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

*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 Saint Gumbert 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.

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