St. Adolf of Osnabrück

Adolf of Osnabrück, O.Cist (also known as Adolphus, Adolph, Adolf of Tecklenburg), was born in Tecklenburg about 1185, a member of the family of the Counts of Tecklenburg in the Duchy of Westphalia. During his lifetime, he became known as the "Almoner of the Poor", and is honored as a saint by the Catholic Church.

Life

Adolf became a canon of the Cathedral of Cologne, but then entered a Cistercian monastery, where he became known for his piety. In 1216, he was elected Bishop of Osnabrück (after the pope had canceled an earlier election) and maintained charitable programs there. He died on 30 June 1222 or 1224.

Veneration

Adolf's cultus was recognized by Pope Urban VIII in 1625. His feast day is celebrated on 11 February.

The surviving historical record

The surviving biographical account of this saint is brief. It does not establish a complete chronology of childhood, family life, and daily activities. This page includes the available account rather than supplying imagined conversations or undocumented events. Where the account reports a tradition, it should be read as a tradition, not as a modern eyewitness record.