Lull (Lul) (c.710–86), archbishop of Mainz. Born in Wessex, Lull became a monk of Malmesbury, but joined his cousin Boniface in his missionary work in Germany while still a young man. He spent the rest of his life as Boniface's assistant and eventually his successor. In 751 Boniface sent him to consult with Pope Zachary at Rome; on his return he was consecrated bishop (752). When Boniface left for Frisia in 754, Lull became bishop of Mainz. He received the pallium only in 781. This delay was partly the result of a long struggle between Lull and Sturm, abbot of Fulda, concerning this monastery's exemption from episcopal jurisdiction, which Lull claimed. He even deposed Sturm who, however, appealed to Pepin and was restored. Lull himself made monastic foundations at Bleidenstadt (Nassau) and Hersfeld, where he died and was buried. Lull's correspondence reveals his appreciation of books from England, his zeal for the observance of the canons, and his concern that prayers and fasts should be offered both for better weather for harvests and for the repose of the soul of a deceased pope. His episcopate was distinguished by energetic organization and the propagation of learning; he also took part in numerous councils in the Empire. In most of his policies he continued the plans of Boniface; his cult flourished in Germany rather than in Britain. Feast: 16 October.
Bibliography
Click here for a list of abbreviations used in this bibliography.
- Life by Lambert of Hersfeld (11th cent.) in AA.SS. Oct. VII (1845), 1050–91; Letters in M. Tangl, Bonifatii et Lullae Epistolae (M.G.H., 1916); H. Hahn, Bonifatius und Lull (1883); W. Levison, England and the Continent in the Eighth Century (1946); T. Schieffer, Angelsachsen und Franken (1950)
