Blessed Hermann by Cheryl Swope
On
July 18, 1013, a baby boy was born to the Duke of Altshausen in Germany. At some point in the boy's childhood a crippling condition rendered him unable to fulfill his expected role as the eldest son. Historians believe that the boy suffered from a degenerative motor neuron disease, such as spinal muscular atrophy. The condition resulted in restricted use of his limbs. He could not move about easily and had difficulties speaking clearly. Young Hermann required someone to carry him about. Due to both his physical maladies and the historical context of his life, he acquired the name Hermannus Contractus, meaning "Hermann the Twisted" or "Hermann the Cripple." At the age of seven he was sent to school, likely the monastery at Reichenau. Hermann probably struggled initially to read and write because of his infirmities. We can imagine attempting to write with painful,
10
