Adalbert (ca. 740 C.E.)

A French pseudo-mystic of the eighth century. He boasted that an angel brought him relics of extraordinary sanctity from all parts of the earth and he claimed to be able to foretell the future, and to read thoughts. "I know what you have done," he would say; "there is no need for confession. Go in peace, your sins are forgiven." Adalbert's so-called "miracles" gained him great popularity, and he gave away many cuttings of his nails and locks of his hair as powerful amulets. He is even said to have set up an altar in his own name.

The small amount of biographical information that exists tells of miraculous powers bestowed by an angel at his birth. Adalbert was accused of showing to his disciples a letter that he declared was brought to him from Jesus Christ and delivered by St. Michael. Adalbert was also accused of composing a mystical prayer invoking uncanonical angels believed to be demons.

In 744 C.E. a Church synod denounced him. A year later, after appealing to Pope Zacharius, Adalbert was deprived of priestly office. Later he was condemned to perpetual imprisonment in the monastery of Fulda.