Engelbert II of Berg
Archbishop of Cologne (1185 or 1186–1225)
Feast: 7 November (not on the universal Roman calendar; kept in the Roman Martyrology or local calendars)
Who they were
Engelbert of Berg led a worldly life as a young provost, was excommunicated for warring on his cousin's behalf, and after submitting joined the crusade against the Albigenses in atonement. In 1216 he was unanimously elected Archbishop of Cologne.
Kind, just and a lover of peace, he worked hard to restore his see. When he defended the nuns of Essen against his own cousin, the cousin had him murdered near Schwelm on 7 November 1225; by his martyrdom he made amends for his human weaknesses.
The miracles
Cardinal Conrad of Urach declared him a martyr; there was no formal canonisation. His feast was ordered kept in 1618.
Why that counted as sanctity
An archbishop killed for defending the rights of nuns.
Connected on this site
- Conrad of Urach Blessed“Cardinal Conrad of Urach declared him a martyr; there was no formal canonisation.” — this site's research
- Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), via New Advent - St. Engelbert
- Wikidata Q64802 — dates, feast day and identifiers (CC0)
- English Wikipedia — Engelbert II of Berg (CC BY-SA)
Checked against the sources listed on 21 September 2026. Corrections welcome.