Imagine a German couple, living in the Dark Ages, discovers that their young baby has a cleft palate, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida.

Now imagine a young American couple in the twenty-first century learns from a sonogram that their baby has those same abnormalities.

Herman’s parents cared for him until the age of seven, then in 1020 gave him over to the Benedictine monastery of Reichenau, where they arranged for him to be raised and educated. Situated on the shores of Lake Constance, the location was expected to be ideal for Herman’s health, but also for his developing intellect. Abbot Berno, the monk who led the community, took Herman under his wing, educating him with kindness and compassion.

Herman proved to be brilliant and despite his daunting physical limitations, he studied and wrote on astronomy, theology, math, history, poetry, Arabic, Greek, and Latin. He built musical instruments and astronomical equipment. Later in his life Herman became blind and had to give up his academic writing, but he was the most famous religious poet of his day. His work is still central to some of our most cherished Catholic prayers. He authored the Salve Regina which is part of the Rosary, and the Alma Redemptoris Mater a famous Gregorian chant.

Did his loving parents know their son would come to be known as Blessed Herman the Cripple and that his contributions would be revered throughout the rest of human history?

What do you think today’s American couple would choose to do? Would they trust in the wisdom and providence of God, or would they succumb to fears of the unknown as well as pressures of culture and science to only ‘select’ babies who meet ‘normal’ or ‘exceptional’ standards? Blessed Herman the Cripple wasn’t normal; let us learn from and be grateful for that.

Scripture: Read Jeremiah 1:5. What stands out?

Call to Action: Support and encourage young couples to embrace God’s gift of children so their exceptions can be cherished for the next one thousand years.

Blessed Henry the Cripple, pray for our families.