Blessed Luithard

Luithard (Old High German liut "people" and harti "hard"; also Latinized as Luithardus; born unknown; died 887 in Paderborn) was the third Bishop of Paderborn (862–887). Luithard undertook important collegiate and monastic foundations, such as Niggenkerken near Höxter in 863. In 864, the translation of the relics of Saint Liutrudis of Châlons to Niggenkerken took place. He participated in the Synod of Worms in 868, which passed long-lasting canonical decrees. Furthermore, he succeeded there in obtaining a privilege for the founding of the "High Noble Imperial Secular Canoness Foundation of Heerse," which was intended to support missionary work in Saxony. During Luithard's tenure, the young diocese in Saxony was further strengthened. In 885, the Roman Emperor and East Frankish King Charles III granted the Paderborn cathedral clergy the right of free episcopal election.