St. Othmar of St. Gall

November 16

Saint Othmar of Saint Gall, also known as Audemar, Audomar, Otmar, or Otmaro, was an influential figure in the early Catholic Church. Born in Rhaetia, an ancient province in modern-day Switzerland and Germany, Othmar received an education that prepared him for a life dedicated to serving God and his community. After completing his studies, Othmar was ordained as a priest and assigned to the parish of Saint Peter in Rhaetia. It is believed that this parish may have been the same church where Saint Florinus, another revered figure, previously worked and was buried. Othmar faithfully carried out his priestly duties, providing spiritual guidance to the local Christian community. In 720, Othmar was appointed as the abbot of the monastic community at Saint Gall, located in modern-day Switzerland. Under his leadership, Othmar united the individual monks into a cohesive monastery, following the rule established by Saint Columban. Othmar's deep faith and dedication to his vocation inspired him to expand the monastery's offerings for the betterment of the community. During his tenure as abbot, Othmar established a hospital within the monastery, providing care for the sick and needy in the region. He also recognized the importance of education and founded a school, ensuring that future generations would have the opportunity to receive a solid Christian education. Othmar's commitment to serving others and his visionary initiatives garnered him great respect and admiration. One of the most famous legends associated with Saint Othmar is the story of his miraculous provision of food for the poor. It is said that whenever Othmar fed the destitute from a barrel of provisions, it never ran out, no matter how much he distributed from it. This exceptional act of charity and divine intervention further enhanced Othmar's reputation as a virtuous and saintly figure. However, not all respected Othmar's position and deeds. In 759, Count Warin and Count Ruodhart attempted to wrongly claim some of the property belonging to the abbey. Undeterred by their unjust actions, Othmar courageously resisted their efforts. In retaliation, the counts imprisoned him first in the castle of Bodmann and later on the island of Werd-on-the-Rhine. It was in this captivity that Othmar ultimately met his death. Saint Othmar's passing on November 16, 759, marked the end of his physical life, but it was only the beginning of his spiritual legacy. Soon after his death, stories of his holiness and the miracles associated with him began to circulate, leading to a widespread devotion to him. His cultus swiftly spread throughout Switzerland, and he became one of the most venerated saints in the country. Othmar's body was transferred to the monastery of Saint Gall in 769, where it found its final resting place. In 867, a church in Saint Gall was dedicated to him, and his remains were entombed there. Today, his memory lives on, his feast day celebrated on November 16th each year. Saint Othmar of Saint Gall is remembered as an exemplary Benedictine abbot and a devout servant of God. His commitment to the spiritual, physical, and educational well-being of his community has left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church in Switzerland. Believers seek his intercession against slander, recognizing him as a powerful patron in times of unjust accusations and falsehoods.

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