St. Ulrich (890 - 973) was a devout, zealous, prudent, and generous bishop.

When 16 years old, he was sent to the abbey of St. Gall for his education. Bishop Adalbero of Augsburg cared for him. He appointed Ulrich to be his chamberlain, and in time ordained him.

When Ulrich was 50 years old, King Henry the Fowler had an important commission for him. The Magyars had just invaded Germany, and Ulrich was chosen to be bishop of Augsburg in the wake of this tragedy. The good bishop worked tirelessly to supply relief and comfort to the people of Augsburg. Their cathedral had been burned down by the invaders, so he had a small temporary church built to fill the need.

Devoted to his flock, he annually made a complete visitation of his diocese, and biannually held synods of the clergy. All this was to make sure that the needs of his people - especially their spiritual needs - were always well taken care off.

The Magyars again attacked Augsburg. Like Moses of old, Ulrich raised his arms in prayer as the battle of Lechfeld raged on. His earnest prayers were heard. The Magyars were defeated.

Toward the end of his life, the saintly bishop resigned. He appointed his trusted nephew, Adalbero, as his successor. Not long afterwards, the beloved bishop Ulrich fell sick. Then, in the presence of his clergy, for whom he prayed and work so much, Ulrich passed on to his eternal reward.

In 993, 20 years after the holy bishop’s death, Pope John XV solemnly canonized him. This remarkable occasion is the very first canonization on record in the history of the Catholic Church.