SAINT DEOCHAR, ABBOT OF HERRIEDEN - 7 JUNE

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JUNE

Saints celebrated on the 7th of June

SAINT DEOCHAR, ABBOT OF HERRIEDEN

Saint Deochar (Deocarus, Deocharus, Gottlieb) was first abbot of Herrieden, formerly Hasenried (Hasenrietanum), in the diocese of Eichstätt.

He initially lived as a hermit in this place, which was still completely uninhabited and wild (vastus et desertus), and was held in such great esteem by Charlemagne that this famous emperor built him a little church (Gottlieb's chapel) in honour of the Blessed Virgin, and later also a sizeable monastery, of which he appointed Deochar abbot. 

The monastery, which was founded according to the  Rule of Saint Benedict, originally received name Herrenried because the monks (called Herren [gentlemen]) made the area (the Ried, the barren, swampy area) arable. 

Around the year 888, under Bishop Eichenbald of Eichstätt, this institute was converted into a monastery of canons.

Saint Deochar possessed deep insight into the Holy Scriptures and was graced by God with the gift of miracles. He died of old age, either in 847 or 850. In 1316 his tomb was opened in the presence of Emperor Louis of Bavaria and Bishop Philip. In Herrrieden, his festival is celebrated on June 7. Butler* lists his memorial - perhaps by mistake - on July 7.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 1, Augsburg, 1858, p. 740)

*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 Deochar 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.