Herman from the City of Cologne already entered the Premonstratensian monastery
of Steinfeld around 1162 as a youth. He was sent to Mariengaarde in Friesland
for his studies. After his ordination to the priesthood, the great devotee of
Mary tended to the spiritual care of sisters’ communities as well as duties
in the sacristy and refectory of the abbey. While tending to this handwork he
developed an extraordinary interior life and received mystical graces. Herman,
admired because of his visions and ecstasies, but also mocked and tormented
by illness, received the nickname “Joseph” from Mary in a mystical
marriage. The canon of Steinfeld composed several hymns in honor of the Mother
of God, a commentary on the Song of Songs and poetry about St. Ursula and her
companions – all in emotional style which made him a truly talented person.
Herman Joseph is one of the first who expressly honored the heart of Jesus and
indeed in an authentic mysticism which was nourished from Holy Scripture. In
addition to his attitude toward penance, humility and deep spirituality, he
was also well known for his skill in making and repairing clocks. During Lent
1241 the elderly Herman went to the nearby convent of Cistercian nuns at Hoven
near Zülpich, where he died on Easter Thursday (presumably on April 4,
1241).
Relics: Steinfeld
Approbation of cult: January 22/March 8, 1728 by Benedict XIII and August 11,
1958 by Pius XII. Representation: as a Premonstratensian with Mary and the Child
Jesus, with apple, lily, chalice with roses, chalice, key and writing instruments,
as a child extending an apple to the child Jesus, at the mystical betrothal
with Mary (handing over a ring),
at a vision of the heart of Jesus.