Saint Theodard of Maastricht | |
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| Born | c. 618 Speyer, Germany |
| Died | c. 670 |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholicism |
| Feast | 10 September |
| Attributes | sword |
| Patronage | drover, cattle dealers |
Theodard of Maastricht was a seventh-century bishop of Maastricht, in present-day Netherlands. He is known from hagiographical writings from later centuries, in particular one by Anselm of Liège. His feast day is 10 September.
Theodard (also known as also Diethardt) is thought to have been a disciple of Remaclus at the monastery of Stavelot in Belgium. When Remaclus became bishop of Tongeren-Maastricht in around 653, Theodard succeeded him as abbot of the double monastery of Stavelot-Malmedy. When Remaclus retired to Stavelot in 663, Theodard succeeded him as bishop of Maastricht.[1] As bishop in 664 he presided over the dedication of Trudo's abbey (Saint-Trond) to St. Quentin and St. Remigius of Reims.
He was murdered, probably c.670, while on a journey through the forest of Bienwald near Speyer, in order to seek justice from Childeric II of Austrasia in a legal dispute regarding Frankish nobles plundering the diocese.[2] It is generally suspected that the murder was carried out on behalf of the nobles.
At first buried at the scene in Rülzheim, his body was later transferred to Liege by his nephew and successor, Lambert of Maastricht.[3]
A chapel was built at his place of death and original burial in Rülzheim, called the "Dieterskirchel". The place became an important pilgrimage site and is one of the oldest in the diocese of Speyer. Theodard is venerated as the patron saint of drover, cattle dealers and the city of Maastricht.[4]
