Today's martyrology takes us to 11th and 12th century Europe in the area of present day Germany. Otto was born of noble parents of the Mistelbach family in Swabia some time between 1060 and 1062. He was very well educated and was ordained a priest as a young man.

In 1088 he was appointed to the chaplaincy of the court of Duchess Judith of Poland., She was the sister of Emperor Henry IV. In 1102 he was named Chancellor of the royal court of Henry IV and spent the next several years as a mediator and peace maker between the Emperor and the Holy See at Rome.

Henry, in disagreement with the Holy See, set up his own anti-Pope. He also named Otto to the Bishopric of Bamberg. Otto refused to be consecrated until years later when he received consecration in Rome from the true pope, Pascal II, in the year 1111. In those days, political leaders such as kings and emperors had the right to appoint bishops, which often led to much abuse and corruption in the Church. Henry's son, Henry V followed in his fathers footsteps of rebellion.

St. Otto walked a truly delicate path. He always remained faithful to his vocation and his allegiance to Rome, as well as supporting his emperor in all activities which were lawful. He enjoyed the trust of both the Church and the royal court because he was always just, honest, humble and compassionate. He worked strenuously for his diocese, building and repairing churches and hospitals. He founded several monasteries and did much to improve education in his diocese. He worked tirelessly to evangelize his people.

In 1124 and again in 1128, at the request of Boleslaus III of Poland, he went on mission to Pomerania, preaching the Gospel of Christ. He died in Bamberg on June 30, 1139.

His life shows us of what his holiness consisted. Here was a man born into money, power and prestige, but also intrigue and corruption. He chose a life of service, honesty, integrity, meekness and love. He did not let the temptations of power and prestige direct his life.

He believed firmly in God and strove to live the Gospel of Jesus simply and strongly, but with gentleness and compassion. This was a time in history when to disagree with the presiding ruler or refuse his gifts or commands resulted in a one way ticket to the grave. St. Otto held the respect, admiration and love of all who knew him; clergy, royalty, but most of all the ordinary people of his diocese. He must have been a remarkably holy man.