Herluka von Bernried

Herluka von Bernried, also known as Herluka von Epfach, (1060 – 1127) was a German laywoman and supporter of Gregorian reform. The vast majority of what is known of Herluka can be attributed to the works of Paul von Bernried, a German priest and friend of Herluka's, in his Vita Herlucae (Life of Herluka, composed c. 1130/1) and in parts of his Vita Gregorii (Life of Gregory VII, composed c. 1128). Figure of Herluka von Bernried in the Church of St. Bartholomäus in Epfach

Life Herluka devoted her life to asceticism, living in voluntary poverty and choosing to be celibate. She lived most of her life in the Swabian village of Epfach before moving to Bernried in 1121. According to Paul, this public rejection of non-celibate priests encouraged others to do the same and raised public support for Gregorian reform.