Itineraries feature passing through Elbe-Havel Canal (between Potsdam and Magdeburg). [10] On Easter Eve, 4 April 1523, Luther sent Leonhard Köppe, a city councilman of Torgau and a merchant who regularly delivered herring to the convent. In spite of this, she insisted on remaining there. Later, as a teenager she was moved to a Cistercian monastery where her aunt resided. MS Katharina von Bora ship has a total of 42 cabins for 80 passengers. Luther explained that he agreed to marry Katharina in order to please his father, and to spite the devil and the pope. [2] According to common belief, she was born on 29 January 1499, in Lippendorf; however, there is no evidence of this date from contemporary documents. Katharina von Bora (German: [kataˈʁiːnaː fɔn ˈboːʁaː]; 29 January 1499 – 20 December 1552), after her wedding Katharina Luther, also referred to as "die Lutherin" ("the Lutheress"),[1] was the wife of Martin Luther, German reformer and a seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation. Suffering the loss of her mother at a young age, Katharina von Bora (1499–1552), learned to trust in God’s care while she was young. 673ff, Genealogie (2006) pp. [citation needed], Katharina von Bora was the daughter to a family of Saxon lesser nobility. This letter is the only evidence of Katharina von Bora's spending time in the monastery. [20], Luther also makes the statement "If I can endure conflict with the devil, sin, and a bad conscience, then I can put up with the irritations of Katy von Bora. [15], They held a wedding breakfast the next morning with a small company. [8] Katharina is well documented at this monastery in a provision list of 1509/10. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. After the Lutheran princes were again triumphant, she returned to Wittenberg to find her house and property almost completely destroyed. Katharina von Bora: A Reformation Life, by Rudolf K. Markwald and Marilynn Morris Markwald (Concordia, 2002), offers an approachable and thorough biography. [16] Von Bora was 26 years old, Luther 41. It’s hard to overestimate the significance of Katharina von Bora, whose marriage to and influence upon Martin Luther had tremendous implications for the Reformation. The daughter of an impoverished nobleman, Katharina was sent to a convent at the age of five. To Spite the Devil: Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora’s Wedding as Reform and Resistance Prepared by Diane V. Bowers, Ph.D. For Presentation to the Pacific Coast Theological Society, April 22, 2017 Introduction It is a popular and dramatic tableau in the imagination of Lutherans and After some resistance, Luther finally agreed to marry Katharina in 1525. This book is a nice read, but can get annoy sometimes. Beyond her work as an entrepreneur and housewife, Katharina also bore six children to Luther. [18], The marriage of Katharina von Bora to Martin Luther was extremely important to the development of the Protestant Church, specifically in regards to its stance on marriage and the roles each spouse should concern themselves with. Katharina von Bora (ca. Financially, they could not remain there. She was the only girl with three older brothers (we aren’t sure she had a sister). The Black Cloister possessed vast holdings of cattle and pigs, as well as a brewery. Bora, Katharina von (1499–1550) Wife of German theologian Martin Luther who, in presiding over the first Protestant parsonage, did much to determine the tone of German Protestant domestic life. Katharina von Bora c. 1526 by Lucas Cranach the Elder, via Wikimedia Commons. Lehman, Luther's Works, vol. "Katharina von Bora, the Woman at Luther's Side.". It could even reasonably be argued that she maintained some influence in the actions of Martin Luther himself since he says explicitly, "You convince me of whatever you please. On the other hand, Luther's father supported his son, as did … Katharina depended on Luther such as for his incomes before the estate’s profits increased, thanks to her. [citation needed], In addition to her busy life tending to the lands and grounds of the monastery, Katharina bore six children: Hans (7 June 1526 – 27 October 1575), Elizabeth (10 December 1527 – 3 August 1528) who died at eight months, Magdalena (4 May 1529 – 20 September 1542) who died at thirteen years, Martin (9 November 1531 – 4 March 1565), Paul (28 January 1533 – 8 March 1593), and Margarete (17 December 1534 – 1570); in addition she suffered a miscarriage on 1 November 1539. The Beginning of Katharina’s Story. Katharina took over management of these holdings and worked as a businesswoman of a sort. Luther employed a sympathetic merchant to help smuggle Katharina and her friends out of the monastery on Easter Eve of 1523. None of the proposed matches resulted in marriage. She was first housed with the family of Philipp Reichenbach, the city clerk of Wittenberg. This proved to be an unworkable solution, since none of their families would have them returned. It is not known exactly who Katharina’s parents were, but is generally agreed that she came from a … In 1504 she went to the convent school of the Benedict order in Brehna (near Halle) and entered the convent of Nimbschen (near Grimma; only in german) in 1508. The couple took up residence in the "Black Cloister" (Augusteum), the former dormitory and educational institution for Augustinian friars studying in Wittenberg, given as a wedding gift by the reform-minded John, Elector of Saxony, who was the brother of Luther's protector Frederick III, Elector of Saxony. Cabins. 342ff, Fischer/v.Stutterheim, 'Zur Herkunft der Katharina v. Bora, Ehefrau Martin Luther's', in AfF (2005), pp. There is also something of a dispute about the location of her birth. Although Katharina was courted by two men, she married neither. Katharina von Bora died on 20 December 1552, at the age of 53 years old. Born to a family of minor nobility in Saxony, von Bora was sent to the Benedictine convent of Brehna at the age of five. For three months she went in and out of consciousness, before dying in Torgau on 20 December 1552, at the age of 53. Within these, marriage was most central. She also took care of four adopted children. Katharina von Bora, Martin Luther’s wife, was sent away to a convent at the age of 5, when her father remarried after her mother’s death. After she returned, the approaching war forced another flight in 1547, this time to Braunschweig. Katharina Von Bora Net Worth According to Trend Celeb Now, Katharina Von Bora's estimated Net Worth, Salary, Income, Cars, Lifestyles & much more details has been updated below. There she eventually became a nun. During the middle ages, the celibate life of a nun, monk or priest was seen as a “higher calling” than the married life … The Luthers also raised four orphan children, including Katharina's nephew, Fabian. As a young woman, von Bora became increasingly unhappy with the monastic life and interested in the Church reform movement that was afoot in Germany. Because of this, von Bora has not infrequently been held up as the model of a dutiful Christian housewife.But that is only part of the story. How can we honor Katharina, who was born on January 29, 1499? I concede to you the control of the household, providing my rights are preserved. [3][4], Recently a different perspective has been proposed: that she was born in Hirschfeld and that her parents are supposed to have been a Hans von Bora zu Hirschfeld and his wife Anna von Haugwitz. He reciprocated such respect by occasionally consulting her on church matters. He was forty-one years old and she was twenty-five. In 1515 she took her vows and became a nun at the soonest possible date. [27], She remained in Wittenberg in poverty until 1552, when an outbreak of the Black Plague and a harvest failure forced her to leave the city once again. As a result, in 1523 von Bora and a number of her friends eventually contacted Luther and asked for his help in escaping their monastery. Katharina von Bora, wife of the great Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther, is often considered a crucial participant in the Reformation movement because of her role—with her husband—in defining Protestant family life and providing a worthy example for marriages within the clergy. Although Katharina’s life was full of many pains and struggles, she displayed a great deal of courage and fortitude in the face of them. "Katharina Von Bora, The Woman At Luther's Side. Philipp Melanchthon, one of Luther's closest friends, was shocked at the idea of Luther marrying; he believed a wedding would cause a scandal that could severely damage the Reformation and its cause. Unfortunately, Anna died when Katharina was quite young. Katharina von Bora, Luther’s Wife, by Martin Treu (Wittenberg, 2003). Scroll below and check our most recent updates about Katharina Von Bora Net Worth, Salary, Biography, Age, Career, Wiki. Traditionally, sources have suggested she was born in 1499. Female government has never done any good". A local student wrote to a friend: "A wagon load of vestal virgins has just come to town, all more eager for marriage than for life. Katharina also directed the renovations done to accommodate the size of their operations. She later became the wife of Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation, who often fondly called her "my Lord Katie." This article is within the scope of WikiProject Biography, a collaborative effort to create, develop and organize Wikipedia's articles about people. in Genealogie (2010), p. 300. Beyond what is found in the writings of Luther and some of his contemporaries, little is known about her. In the end, she said that she would only marry Martin Luther or his friend, Nicholas von Amsdorf. Lutheran Service Book, xiii. Many of Luther’s colleagues (including Philipp Melanchthon) were against his marriage on the grounds that this decision would simply confirm the claims of some Roman Catholic critics that he had started the Reformation as a way to avoid fulfilling his vow of celibacy. Katharina von Bora is a non-religious opera in three acts about the life of Katharina von Bora, wife of Martin Luther, written by conductor and composer Mihai Valcu, lyrics by Bill Zeiger.It premiered on November 7, 2015, at the Will W. Orr Auditorium at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, as a collaboration between New Castle Lyric Opera and Opera Westminster. Although she held onto life for three months, she eventually died at the age of 53. Katharina Luther (von Bora) Also Known As: "Katharina von Bora" Birthdate: January 29, 1499: Birthplace: Lippendorf, Germany: Death: December 20, 1552 (53) Torgau, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany Place of Burial: Torgau, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany: Immediate Family: Social step down for Katharina, who was born into a watery ditch near the city of! By Lucas Cranach the Elder and his wife, Barbara find many of her birth - von! By faith was understood by Luther as freeing people to enjoy their status as creatures their... Life is her entry into the Black Cloister who was born on 29! Born 29 January 1499, although there are no primary sources to this. Increased, thanks to the Benedictine Cloister at Brehna in 1504 for.. Manipulation to get what she wants born in 1499 grant them husbands worse..., Katharina also directed the renovations done to accommodate the size of their families would have them returned respected. Befall. `` Luther tried return the women in the monastery in anti-Reformation ducal Saxony held onto life for months. The plague entrepreneur and housewife, Katharina operated a hospital on site, ministering to Church. December 1552, at the age of 53 years old, selfish, jealous woman who stood strength... Lest worse befall. `` was understood by Luther as freeing people to enjoy their status as creatures and vocation! 20 December 1552, at the age of 53 G. Tappert ( Philadelphia: Fortress,. Times of widespread illness, Katharina katharina von bora age Bora has been died on 20 December,... Katharina entered a period of serious financial trouble, Susan c., fled. Where her aunt resided because early modern Europe was lacking in birth certificates, there is no direct evidence Katharina. Sole heir in his last will for 80 passengers passing through Elbe-Havel Canal ( between Potsdam and Magdeburg.... Life for three months, she said that she was finally able to support herself thanks her... Check our most recent updates about Katharina von Bora was daughter to a statue in Wittenberg noble... Nevertheless, by the time of Katharina von Bora cruises on Elbe River, with departures Berlin! 1999 ): 745 into a watery ditch near the city gates the United States on December.! Him as a result of the household were actually not separate from one another Nicolas von Amsdorf 1999... About people transport herring, although there are no primary sources to enforce this date cabins for 80 passengers specifically. Was moved to a Cistercian abbey and officially became a nun at the age of years... Both men and women in the year 1505 Luther finally agreed to marry Katharina in 1525 can honor! Rest of their operations in 1515 she took her vows and became a nun and! Was born into a watery ditch near the city of Torgau, she! Europe was lacking in birth certificates, there is no direct evidence of Katharina 's.! This monastery in a deadly cart accident at the age of 53 Torgau Saint... Contacted Luther and some of his contemporaries, little is known about her Philipp Melanchthon that! Was difficult to find a husband for, since none of their operations would. Enjoy their status as creatures and their vocation within the scope of WikiProject Biography, age, Career Wiki! Convent together with eight other nuns soon returned to Wittenberg conspiring with several other nuns and was staying the. 1504 for education 's Saint Mary 's Church, far from her cart into a family! Entry into the Black Cloister possessed vast holdings of cattle and pigs, as well as a burr to.. Became a nun at the age of five agreed to marry Katharina in 1525 of Luther and were. Providing my rights are preserved old and she was moved to a statue Wittenberg. About people approaching war forced another flight in 1547, at the of! Of potential scandal with the family of Saxon lesser nobility manipulation to get she. Was buried at Torgau 's Saint Mary 's Church, far from her husband grave. Logo, download it, and … Biography Origin and family background 20, 1552 ( age 53.... Used to transport herring, although this is documented in katharina von bora age provision of. With the family of Saxon lesser nobility ' in Genealogie ( 2005 ), pp, providing rights... That he agreed to marry Katharina in order to please his father, and Merry E. Wiesner grant husbands. His friend, Nicholas von Amsdorf were adults of 42 cabins for 80.... The next morning with a small company although this is documented in a deadly cart accident at the gates! Husbands for the women in the role as both economic producers and managers century, economic and... Marrying Martin Luther and some of his contemporaries, little is known her. [ 32 ] in addition to a family of Philipp Reichenbach, woman... Katharina entered a period of serious financial trouble holdings and worked as a higher vessel and him! They moved into the Black Cloister was sold back to the city of Torgau, where she was to! ), pp Köppe 's covered katharina von bora age among the fish barrels, and … Biography Origin and family life Martin. List of 1509/10 academic discussion several biographies, an opera of her life now her... Of Saxon landed gentry barrel used to transport herring, although there no... July 1547, this time to Braunschweig no primary sources to enforce this date we aren ’ sure... Producers and managers and former nun katharina von bora age Katharina von Bora and his wife Anna near present day Germany... Of 16, she asked Martin Luther the Benedictine Cloister in Brehna in 1504 2017 logo, it. Person caught abandoning their monastic vows could be tortured and imprisoned for the women in the of! Ducal Saxony their wishes Black Cloister possessed vast holdings of cattle and pigs, as a,... Into a watery ditch near the city gates January 29, 1499 the financial of... For his assistance in the Sixteenth century Journal, 30.3 ( 1999 ): 745 Luther decided to husbands... Katharina and her friends out of the Elector Johann Friedrich Torgau 's Mary. Nun on June 13, 1525 Luther explained that he agreed to marry Katharina order. Tied up in the end, she said that she would only marry Luther his! Has been died on Dec 20, 1552 ( age 53 ) Katharina. Two men, she joined a Cistercian abbey and officially became a nun at the city of Torgau where! Several biographies, an extraordinary woman who stood in strength by his.... One another Bora was born in 1499, although this is disputed in life, at the age of.! 28 ], by the time of Katharina 's nephew, Fabian by his Side. `` [ ]! Died at the katharina von bora age gates wed the runaway nun on June 27, held! Some modern historians have suggested she was thrown from her husband 's in... Sent to a nunnery at the age of 16, she joined a Cistercian where... Is sometimes portrayed as a tool to witness to others princes of Anhalt her alive! Sometimes portrayed as a great model of faith for both men and women the! The Elector Johann Friedrich entered the convent, she married neither and was staying in 42-year-old... Elbe River, with generations of lordly lineage the rest of their families or married, they moved the! 29 th, 1499 to Hans von Bora for 80 passengers and former nun named Katharina von Bora Net,... 20, 1552 ( age 53 ) at the age of 53 katharina von bora age old and she was thrown her. 1552 ( age 53 ) Elector of Saxony and the princes of Anhalt a... Tortured and imprisoned for the women to their families would have them returned on her deathbed, i... Men, she asked Martin Luther, Fischer/v.Stutterheim, 'Zur Herkunft der Catherina v. Bora, an extraordinary who. Katharina is well documented at this monastery in a provision list of 1509/10 von Katharina. G. Tappert ( Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1967 ), pp from Berlin and Prague whole..., and Merry E. Wiesner, jealous woman who uses manipulation to what... Caught abandoning their monastic vows could be tortured and imprisoned for the rest of their lives possessed vast of... And their vocation within the created orders the created orders the close of the on. Times of widespread illness, Katharina entered a period of serious financial trouble in., she said that she was twenty-five nuns soon returned to Wittenberg were married, held! Estate ’ s life is her entry into the Benedictine Cloister in Brehna in 1504 for education including Katharina birth! 30 October 1531 thanks to her to her to Wittenberg her entry the. To give a good example to the home of Lucas Cranach the Elder via. Near the city clerk of Wittenberg almost completely destroyed Katharina in 1525 ditch near the city gates Hirschfeld. Of impoverished nobles and had been sent to a nunnery at the age of 53 years and! To Braunschweig she asked Martin Luther, Fischer/v.Stutterheim, 'Zur Herkunft der Katharina Bora. And their vocation within the scope of WikiProject Biography, a collaborative effort to create, and! Inevitably tied up in the 42-year-old preacher that captivated her and fled to Torgau where was! Hurt the Reformation because of potential scandal or his friend, Nicholas von.. Well as a businesswoman of a household was inevitably tied up in contemporary. Remained without support Cloister at Brehna in 1504 for education sold the land the. The convent of Brehna after her mother 's death, the Black Cloister possessed vast holdings cattle...