(d.718) The Apostle of Bavaria and Austria was a man of prayer, fasting, and charity who became bishop of Worms, Germany. The mostly pagan population of Worms rejected him and forced Rupert out of the city. Afterward, the Duke of Bavaria invited Rupert to help restore and spread the faith in Bavaria. He was received well in Regensburg, and continued missionary journeys along the Danube River. He established Benedictine communities in the city of Juvavum and promoted the mining of salt to financially support the missionary work. This city was renamed “Salt Mountain,” or Salzburg, and Rupert became its first bishop.
Rejected and driven from the city in one place, Rupert thrived and built strong foundations in another. A major difference was that he was surrounded by pagans in one place and Benedictines in another. In recovery we are told to change our people, places, and things. When has making these changes had a positive impact on your recovery?
“Let us labor not only for ourselves, but for the good of those who will come after us” (Saint Rupert of Salzburg).
Reflection by Brad Farmer