Benno

1010-1106. Bishop of Meissen in E Germany. Of noble Saxon birth, he was canon in the imperial collegiate church at Goslar before going to Meissen in 1066. Imprisoned by Henry IV (1075-76) for nonsupport during the Saxon nobles' revolt, and involved in the election of Rudolph of Swabia to replace Henry, he was temporarily removed from his see (1085-88) by imperial prelates. He was called “Apostle of the Wends” for preaching to Slavonic peoples in his diocese. His cult was established in 1285 when his relics were honored in Meissen cathedral. Chronicles record many miracles at his tomb. His canonization (1523) and relics evoked much protest, including Luther's. He is regarded as patron of fishermen and drapers.