CHAPTER 7 – ARRIVAL IN MÜNSTER

Münster Cathedral has an unusual patron saint. It is the only cathedral in Germany to be placed under the sole patronage of the Apostle Paul. The first recorded reference to this patronage dates back to the year 889. For that time, this choice was unusual. Only two bishoprics in the Christian world of that era had previously chosen Paul as their patron saint.

The saint is of great importance to Münster Cathedral. This is evident not only in its patronage. St Paul also leaves his mark on the cathedral treasury. Various inventories document the contents of the medieval cathedral treasury, listing numerous relics of St Paul. St Paul’s presence can also be seen time and again in the cathedral’s architecture throughout the centuries. From a tiny bone fragment to a monumental stone head: St Paul has arrived in Münster to stay.

LIUDGER AND I

The bishopric of Münster was established in 805. In that year, Emperor Charlemagne (reigned 800–814) appointed Liudger as the city’s first bishop. Liudger was a Frisian missionary. Like Paul, he had travelled extensively to spread the Christian faith. He had been working in Münster since 793. He founded a monastery there. The city’s name, Münster, is derived from the Latin word for monastery, ‘monasterium’.

Was it Liudger who chose Paul as the patron saint for his cathedral? If so, why? Scholars have put forward various theories on this. As early as 80 years after Liudger’s death (†809), the patronage is mentioned in a document. In the years and centuries that followed, Paul became a symbolic figure of Münster Cathedral.

WHY DID PAUL BECOME THE PATRON SAINT OF THE CATHEDRAL IN MÜNSTER?

MY VENERATION

Paul was of great importance to Münster Cathedral. This is also evident in the cathedral treasury. According to a catalogue of relics dating from 1622, after the relics of Jesus Christ (the Lord’s relics) and the Virgin Mary, the vast majority of relics are those of Paul.

Relics are defined as ‘remains’ of saints. These may be parts of the body (bones, teeth, hair) or objects with which the saints came into contact (clothing, instruments of torture). Mementoes were also taken from graves or places of significance.

Saints are present both on earth through their physical remains and in heaven through their souls (dual existence). On earth, they are always present with their power, even in the smallest fragment of a relic. Where saints are particularly venerated or where their relics are present, they can intercede on behalf of people.

Relics are usually kept in precious containers known as reliquaries. These were placed on the high altar and the numerous other altars in the cathedral.

VENERATION TODAY

The veneration of relics is not confined to Christianity alone. Other (world) religions also recognise relics. Yet the term ‘relic’ has taken on a broader meaning today. It has moved beyond its purely religious connotations. A relic is no longer merely something associated with a saint or originating from them.

As early as the ‘cult of the artist’ in the 19th century, ‘relics’ of cultural luminaries such as Ludwig van Beethoven could be found. Today, these are ‘relics’ from the worlds of sport or pop culture, or from one’s own private circle. These hold great emotional value for their owners. Just as with religious relics, the relic here stands as a fragment representing the greater whole. A strand of hair represents the whole person; a jersey represents the sportsman and the club.