Saint of the day September 25, 2024

July 18, 1013, a baby boy was born to the Duke of Altshausen in Germany. At some point in the boy’s childhood, a crippling condition rendered him unable to fulfill his expected role as the eldest son. Historians believe that the boy suffered from a degenerative motor neuron disease, such as spinal muscular atrophy. The condition resulted in restricted use of his limbs. He could not move about easily and had difficulties speaking clearly. Young Hermann required someone to carry him about. Due to both his physical disorders and the historical context of his life, he acquired the name Hermannus Contractus, meaning “Hermann the Twisted” or “Hermann the Cripple.” At seven, he was sent to school, likely the monastery at Reichenau.

Hermann probably struggled initially to read and write because of his infirmities. We can imagine attempting to write with painful, palsied hands, or speak sounds with a mouth that could not utter them clearly. Nonetheless, Hermann evidenced a strong mind and received a formal education. Unable to participate in hearty physical pursuits as could other young men his age, Hermann is said to have stated: litteris traditus sum (“I am consigned to letters”).

Over time, a life of letters served him well. Hermann wrote in German, became proficient in Latin, and had some knowledge of Greek. He devoted himself to mathematics, music, history, and the sciences within the monastic setting, including theology. Hermann became best known for his Chronica, a large work of great historical detail, especially regarding the late tenth and early eleventh centuries. He wrote on astronomy, is credited with mastering the astrolabe (an astronomical tool), prepared a computus for determining the date of Easter each year, and wrote on theological topics with great spiritual depth. His treatise On the Eight Principal Vices in poetic form became widely known in the medieval Church. Hermann penned the hymn “Salve Regina,” which is still sung in the Catholic Church today.

Despite his physical afflictions—made more daunting considering the age in which he lived— ”Hermann the Cripple” received a classical Christian education. His life of letters was made whole by the mercy of God and encourages us today from a place in time over one thousand years ago.

Historians presume that Hermann’s condition was degenerative. As he experienced progressive immobility and suffering upon suffering, in his life we see an echo of Job from the Old Testament: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15). We would do well to contemplate the ongoing faithfulness of one so afflicted.

On September 24, 1054, at the age of forty-one, Hermann—historian, astronomer, and poet—died from the effects of his many afflictions. His Feast Day is September 25th.

Reflection

Once known only as a little boy with a paralytic condition, today Blessed Hermann is remembered as a man who shared freely of himself, persevered daily through trials, and found mercy in his Savior. Blessed Hermann in many traditions, is considered a patron saint for both the unborn and the disabled. His education and his life can remind us to tend unflinchingly to both the intellect and faith of every child we encounter.