Lambert of Maastricht


Lambert of Maastricht
The murder of Saint Lambert (Jan van Brussel?, c. 1490), detail of the 'Palude diptych' in the Musée Grand Curtius in Liège
Bishop and Martyr
Bornc. 636
Maastricht
Diedc. 705
Liège
Venerated inCatholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion
Major shrineLiège.
Feast17 September
AttributesMartyr's palm

Lambert of Maastricht, commonly referred to as Saint Lambert (Latin: Lambertus; Middle Dutch: Sint-Lambrecht; Limburgish: Lambaer, Baer, Bert(us); c. 636 – c. 705), was the bishop of Maastricht-Liège (Tongeren) from about 670 until his death. Lambert denounced Pepin's liaison with his mistress or bigamous wife Alpaida, the mother of Charles Martel. The bishop was murdered during the political turmoil that developed when various families fought for influence as the Merovingian dynasty gave way to the Carolingians. He is considered a martyr for his defence of marriage. His feast day is September 17.