Coloman

Coloman, also known as Saint Coloman of Stockerau, was an Irish or Scottish pilgrim who lived in the early 11th century. He is venerated as a martyr by the Catholic Church. Historical accounts suggest Coloman was traveling to the Holy Land. While passing through Stockerau, near Vienna, in present-day Austria, he was apprehended by local authorities. The reasons for his arrest are not entirely clear but are often attributed to suspicion of espionage or theft due to his foreign appearance and the political climate of the time.

Despite protests of his innocence and claims of being a pilgrim, Coloman was subjected to torture and eventually executed by hanging in 1012 AD. His body was initially denied Christian burial due to his execution. However, legend states that a tree upon which he was hanged miraculously began to bear fruit out of season, and his body remained incorrupt. These events led to his veneration by the local population.

Over time, the story of Coloman gained prominence, and he became a popular saint, particularly in Bavaria and Austria. His relics are enshrined in Melk Abbey in Austria, a significant pilgrimage site. He is invoked for protection against disease and as the patron saint of travelers and those falsely accused. His feast day is celebrated on October 13th. The precise details of his life and martyrdom are primarily derived from later hagiographical sources, which may have embellished certain aspects of his story.