After listening to a sermon of St. Norbert in Cambrai, Evermode joined the
itinerant preacher in 1120 at a still youthful age. He became one of the most
faithful disciples of Norbert; he presumably accompanied him to Antwerp, later
to Magdeburg and remained his travelling companion until Norbert’s death.
In the Premonstratensian monastery of Gottesgnaden near Magdeburg, which was
founded by Norbert in 1131, Evermode served first as vice-provost and provisor,
then from 1134 as provost. From 1138-1154 he was provost in Magdeburg and established
four new monasteries: Havelberg, Jerichow, Quedlinburg and Pöhlde. In 1154
he was entrusted with the re-established diocese of Ratzeburg that had been
destroyed in the uprising of the Wends in 1066. With the help of a few confreres
whom he brought with him from Magdeburg, Bishop Evermode changed the already
established cathedral chapter into a Premonstratensian chapter. Because of his
successful missionary activity among the predominantly pagan Wends, he is also
called the “Apostle of the Wends” and the “Light of Saxony”.
His diocese was well organized. In Ratzeburg he began around 1165 with the building
of the present cathedral as well as laying the foundation stone for the later
city. Evermode died, old and frail, on February 17, 1178.
Relics: none available
Approbation of cult: March 20/April 12, 1728 by Benedict XIII.
Representation: as bishop, preacher to the Wends, with holy water sprinkler
and shattered chain, with confreres at the death bed of St. Norbert.