Episode 2483: St. Corbinian

St. Corbinian (c. 670 – September 8, 730) was a Frankish bishop and missionary, known for his efforts to evangelize the region of Bavaria. He was born in Châtres (now Saint-Germain-de-Châtres, France) and felt a call to religious life from an early age. He lived as a hermit for several years, focusing on prayer and penance. Over time, his holiness attracted followers, and he began to teach and guide them.

Missionary Work
Feeling called to spread the faith, Corbinian went on pilgrimage to Rome, where Pope Gregory II consecrated him as a bishop and encouraged him to evangelize Bavaria. He settled in Freising, where he established a church and a monastery. His work focused on converting the local population to Christianity, organizing the Church in the region, and reforming the moral life of the people.

Legend of the Bear
A popular legend about St. Corbinian tells of a bear that attacked and killed his pack horse while he was on his way to Rome. St. Corbinian miraculously tamed the bear and made it carry his luggage for the rest of the journey. The bear eventually became a symbol of St. Corbinian, and it appears on the coat of arms of the Diocese of Freising and the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising.

Legacy
St. Corbinian’s efforts laid the foundations for the Church in Bavaria, and his influence continued long after his death. He is honored as the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. His relics were enshrined in the Freising Cathedral, and he is commemorated on September 8.

St. Corbinian's life reflects his dedication to spreading the Gospel and establishing the Christian faith in a pagan region, emphasizing both his missionary zeal and the miracles associated with his holiness.