St. Conrad of Constance

Conrad belonged to the Guelph family and received his education at Constance. Butler describes his advancement to the priesthood and service as provost of the cathedral before he was chosen bishop. He accepted the appointment reluctantly and maintained a close friendship with St. Ulrich of Augsburg.

His inheritance became a means of providing for the Church and the poor. Butler records an exchange of family lands that enabled him to establish that support near Constance, together with the building and endowment of churches. His episcopal work included instruction, care of those in need and attention to worship.

Conrad also made pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Butler places those journeys within his life of prayer and penance, while the bishop’s daily responsibilities continued at home. The account remembers a long pastoral ministry and his burial in the church of St. Maurice. This condensed reading leaves aside the extended family genealogy and the later story of a spider falling into his chalice.