St. Rupert

St. Rupert was born around 660, of a noble Frankish family, and died around 710. Renowned for his learning and holiness, he served as bishop of Worms before being invited by Duke Theodo of Bavaria to bring the Christian faith to his people. Rupert accepted, baptized the duke, and undertook a wide-ranging mission across Bavaria and into the region of modern Austria.

At the site of the ruined Roman town of Juvavum he established a new center of the faith, refounding the city as Salzburg, where he built churches, the monastery of St. Peter, and the convent of Nonnberg, and where he became the first bishop and abbot. He also promoted the salt trade that gave Salzburg its name and prosperity. Honored as the 'Apostle of Bavaria and Austria,' he is venerated as a saint and is the patron of Salzburg and of the Austrian state named for its salt.