Meinrad (797–861)

Biography

He was born in Germany around the year 797. He entered Reichenau Abbey as a monk and was ordained a priest. He sought a life of greater silence and retired as a hermit to the mountains of Switzerland. He built a cell on Mount Etzel and then moved to Einsiedeln to maintain his solitude.

He dedicated his life to welcoming pilgrims and the needy with great charity. He was murdered on January 21, 861 by two thieves who believed he was guarding treasures. The famous Einsiedeln Abbey in Switzerland was later founded on his hermitage.

He is remembered as the "martyr of hospitality."