'Saint Coloman (Koloman, Colman, Colomannus) of Stockerau (of Melk)' (d.
October 18,
1012) is a
saint of the
Catholic Church. He was a
monk of either
Irish or
Scottish origin and of royal lineage who was accused of being a
spy while on
penitential pilgrimage to
Jerusalem. He was stopped and killed at
Stockerau, which lies about six miles from
Vienna, at a time when there were continual skirmishes between
Austria,
Moravia, and
Bohemia.
Coloman spoke no
German, so he could not give an understandable account of himself. He was
hanged to death alongside several robbers after he was
tortured.
In
1015, his
relics were transferred to the Abbey of Melk by Bishop
Megingard at the request of
Marquis Saint Henry of Austria. Coloman became the object of a popular cult and many churches and chapels in Austria,
Swabia, the
Palatinate,
Hungary, and
Bavaria are dedicated to him. He is also venerated in
Ireland.
A legend states that Coloman's body remained
incorrupt for eighteen months, and remained undisturbed by birds and beasts. The
scaffolding itself is said to have taken root and to have blossomed with green branches, one of which is preserved under the high altar of the
Franciscan church at Stockerau.
External links
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Saints at a Glance
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Saints of October 13: Coloman
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Patron Saints: Coloman
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Saint Coloman's Day