Blessed Hermann Joseph of Steinfeld – Mystic and Marian Devotee of the Rhineland

Blessed Hermann Joseph of Steinfeld – Mystic and Marian Devotee of the Rhineland

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

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Biography

Early Life and Vocation
Hermann Joseph was born around 1150 in Cologne into an impoverished bourgeois family. Even as a young boy, he stood out for his exceptional piety and a childlike love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was often seen in the Church of St. Mary in the Capitol in Cologne, devoutly praying before the Marian altar. According to legend, at the age of seven, Hermann offered an apple to the Christ Child in a statue of Mary — and, to his amazement, the Virgin extended her hand and accepted the gift. This miraculous event deeply marked him. To this day, a statue of Mary in that church is adorned with fresh apples in memory of Hermann’s innocent offering.
At the age of twelve, Hermann followed his spiritual calling and entered the Premonstratensian abbey of Steinfeld in the Eifel region as an oblate.

Monastic Life and Mystical Graces
In the monastery, Hermann proved to be a humble and zealous monk. He was sent for further education to the distant monastery of Mariengaarde (Mariengarden) in Friesland, where he pursued studies in preparation for the priesthood. After ordination, he served there as confessor to the sisters and sacristan of the monastery. He performed every assigned task with such dedication that he hardly had time left for quiet contemplation. In his distress, he turned to the Virgin Mary in prayer. Tradition holds that she appeared to him in consolation and assured him that loving service to his brothers was the most pleasing offering to God. Encouraged by this heavenly message, Hermann continued his work, convinced that every act of love is itself a prayer.
He later returned to his home monastery in Steinfeld, where he served as a priest and spiritual guide with deep prayerfulness.

Anthonis van Dyck: The Mystical Marriage of Blessed Hermann Joseph and Mary (1630)

In a vision, Hermann received a ring from the Virgin Mary as a sign of his mystical betrothal to her, which earned him the name “Joseph.” Around the age of forty, Hermann Joseph was graced with an extraordinary mystical experience. One night in 1190, while praying in the monastery church, he had a vision of overwhelming beauty: two angels appeared beside the Virgin Mary. One asked, “To whom should the Mother of God extend her hand?” The other pointed to Hermann. Overcome with awe and love, he knelt down as the radiant Queen of Heaven took his hand and, in what seemed like a heavenly wedding, chose him as her mystical bridegroom.
This deep spiritual union gave him the name “Joseph,” after St. Joseph, Mary’s earthly spouse. From then on, he was known as Hermann Joseph, wearing the name as a sign of his special bond with the Virgin, who had given him a spiritual wedding ring in the vision. This grace filled him with even greater love and devotion, and he came to understand his entire life as a living “yes” to God and the Virgin Mary.

A Life in Christ and Mary
Hermann Joseph’s spirituality was marked by deep Marian devotion, a bridal soul before God, and heartfelt participation in Christ’s suffering. He was often swept into ecstasy while celebrating Mass. During one such moment, he saw three radiant roses in the chalice instead of wine — a symbol of the Trinity and the love with which Christ shed his blood for the world. This vision of the three roses later became one of his attributes in depictions.
Hermann had a special devotion to the Eucharist and was among the first to explicitly venerate the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His heart burned with love for Christ and Mary, and this found expression in his writings. He composed hymns and poems full of poetic tenderness in honor of the Virgin and the Savior. He also wrote a commentary on the Song of Songs — the biblical love poem that echoed his own mystical spirituality — though this work is unfortunately lost. Despite his profound mystical gifts, Hermann remained humble and obedient.
His brothers praised not only his deep devotion but also his practical skill: he was known for building and repairing clocks, earning him the nickname “Patron of Clockmakers.” For all his holiness, he remained a cheerful Rhinelander who met people with warmth and humor.

Pastoral Work and Death
The love of God that Hermann Joseph experienced in prayer flowed abundantly into his care for others. He was especially gifted in the spiritual care of women’s monasteries. He served as spiritual director and advisor to the Premonstratensian convent in Füssenich near Zülpich, including to the blessed abbess Elisabeth of Füssenich. Later, he ministered as confessor and spiritual guide at the Cistercian convent of Hoven (Marienborn), where he eventually passed away.
According to tradition, Hermann Joseph died around 1241, likely on Holy Thursday — the day of the Eucharist — a fitting end for a life lived in Christ. He died quietly, far from his home, having remained faithful in love until the end. His body was brought back to his beloved monastery of Steinfeld and buried in the abbey church.

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Legacy and Veneration

Soon after his death, the people of the Rhineland began to venerate Hermann Joseph as a saint. Tales of his encounter with the Virgin — especially the legend of the accepted apple — spread hope and joy. Affectionately called the “Apple Saint” or “Appel-Jupp” in the local dialect, he became a beloved figure. Pilgrims came to his grave seeking comfort and intercession. To this day, the faithful still place fresh apples at his tomb and before the Marian statue in Cologne where young Hermann had once made his offering.
His cult flourished during the Baroque period. In 1701, his tomb was magnificently redesigned, and his stone sarcophagus with a recumbent figure was placed in the Basilica of Steinfeld. Relics of the blessed Hermann Joseph were also distributed to many churches, keeping his veneration alive throughout the Rhineland.
During the Romantic era, he was seen as a special saint for children — a heavenly friend of the young and innocent. Finally, the Church confirmed what the faithful had long believed: on August 11, 1958, Pope Pius XII officially declared Hermann Joseph blessed.
His feast day is April 7, and he is lovingly remembered on this day especially within the Norbertine Order. Even today, Blessed Hermann Joseph remains a shining example of purity and devotion. Mothers and children entrust themselves to his heavenly intercession, as do watchmakers — a beautiful harmony of practical craftsmanship and mystical piety that made his life so unique.

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Prayer

Almighty, eternal God,
You filled Blessed Hermann Joseph with deep love for the Blessed Virgin Mary and granted him extraordinary graces.
Through his intercession, grant us also a pure and humble heart, and the grace of childlike devotion to You.
Like him, may we recognize Your presence in our acts of loving service and remain united to You in prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,
Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.