A member of the Premonstratension Order, Ludolph was elected Bishop of Ratzeburg, Germany, in 1236 and built the Benedictine convent of Rehna. On several occasions he fought for the freedom of the Church against Duke Albert of Sachsen-Lauenburg, and he was ultimately imprisoned, maltreated, and exiled.The Saint was welcomed at Wismar by Duke John the Theologian, but he died in 1250 from the maltreatment to which he had been subjected. Hence, the Church honors him as a Martyr. He was canonized in the 14th century.
PRAYER: Almighty and eternal God, You enabled St. Ludolph to fight for justice to the death. By his intercession, help us to bear every adversity for love of You and hasten with all our vigor to You, Who alone are the Life. Amen.