Saint Adalbero of Würzburg

Adalbero of Würzburg (or Saint Adalbero; c. 1010 – 6 October 1090) was Bishop of Würzburg and Count of Lambach-Wels. Born around 1010 in Lambach, Adalbero was the youngest son of Count Arnold II of Wels-Lambach in Upper Austria (of the family of the Counts of Formbach) and his wife the Countess Reginlindis. Adalbero was the nephew of Bishop Bruno of Würzburg. After his studies in the cathedral school at Würzburg and later in Paris, Adalbero became a canon of Würzburg. It was during this time that he probably composed the earliest surviving set of rules for rithmomachia under the name "Asilo". In 1045, King Henry III, nominated Adalbero successor to Bruno as Bishop of Würzburg. Bishop Adalbero continued the construction of the new Würzburg Cathedral begun by Bruno, adding the east crypt and the east choir. He established the "Neumünsterkirche" ("New Minster Church") (built between 1058 and 1063). Significant contributions in the reform of ecclesiastical life are attributed to him. He was in close contact with the reformers at Cluny, Gorze and Hirsau. He brought the monk Egbert from Gorze, who proved extremely effective firstly in bringing about the renewal of Münsterschwarzach Abbey and then, through the spread of the subsequent Münsterschwarzach Reforms, in exerting an influence far beyond it, from Harsefeld Archabbey near Stade in the north to Melk. In 1056 he began the restoration of the Lambach Abbey, founded by his father in the family castle. After the death of Henry III that same year, Adalbero, godfather to Henry IV, spent more time attending court, where he gained a reputation as an advisor and mediator. He also intensified his involvement in the councils of the empire and in synods. In 1057 Adalbero re-settled the abbey of St. Peter, Paul and Stephen in Würzburg, until then a college of Canons Regular, with Benedictines from Münsterschwarzach. In 1066 in Würzburg he performed the marriage ceremony between Henry IV and Bertha of Savoy.