Rabanus Maurus

A pupil of Alcuin, who gave him the surname Maurus after Benedict's beloved disciple, Rabanus became abbot of Fulda and later archbishop of Mainz, earning the title Praeceptor Germaniae — 'the teacher of Germany.' Under him Fulda's school and scriptorium became the powerhouse of East Frankish learning. His commentaries marched through most of the Bible, gathering the fathers into orderly compilation for preachers and students, and his encyclopedia On the Natures of Things digested Isidore for a new age. The great Pentecost hymn Veni Creator Spiritus is traditionally credited to him. He died in 856, having spent a famine year feeding hundreds daily.

The Pentecost hymn Veni Creator Spiritus — sung at papal conclaves and coronations for a millennium — is traditionally attributed to him.

Rabanus Maurus has 302 commentary entries in HolyStudy’s verse-by-verse Church Fathers commentary. Open any Gospel chapter, tap a verse, and choose the Church Fathers tab.