Albert I

archbishop OF MAGDEBURG, was first monk of Corbie, then of St. Maximin of Treves. He was sent in 961, by the emperor Otho I, to preach the Gospel in Russia. In 968 he was appointed archbishop of Magdeburg by pope John XIII. On Dec. 21 following, he arrived at Magdeburg, where he consecrated the bishops of Merseburg, of Zeitz, and of Misnia. He gave a grand reception to Hermann, burgrave of Magdeburg, and in 978 he received from Otho the jurisdiction of all the inhabitants of the place, with the right of appointing the burgrave. The following year he gave to the canons the right of electing their archbishop. Albert deserved the consideration which he received for the faithful performance of his duties. While on his way to visit the diocese of Merseburg, he fell from his horse, and died from the accident June 10, 981. His body was interred in the cathedral at Magdebulrg. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.