Biography
Hermann Joseph
About Hermann Joseph
Hermann Joseph was born in Cologne around 1150. As a boy he entered the Norbertine abbey of Steinfeld and later studied at Mariëngaarde in Friesland. The order’s account presents his childhood devotion to Mary through an apple-offering story preserved in a Life written by his prior.
After returning to Steinfeld and becoming a priest, he served in ordinary community duties, including care of the sacristy and refectory. The sisters at Hoven also sought his spiritual guidance. He died there during Eastertide in 1241; his body was brought back to Steinfeld, where his tomb became a place of devotion.
His surname Joseph is connected with a reported vision involving Mary. The account describes mystical experiences but also the practical labor of monastic life. Formal recognition of his longstanding cult came in 1958.
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