Hermann Cohen

Hermann Cohen (also known as Augustine Mary of the Blessed Sacrament, O.C.D., , better known as Father Hermann; 10 November 1820 – 20 January 1871) was a noted German Jewish pianist, who converted to the Catholic Church. He later became a friar and priest of the Discalced Carmelite Order, who was instrumental in re-establishing his Order in both France and England. He was a popular preacher throughout Europe, and was instrumental in introducing the widespread practice of nocturnal adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The cause for Cohen's canonization has been accepted for investigation by the Holy See. Life Early life and musical career He was born in Hamburg, one of the four children of David Abraham Cohen and Rosalie Benjamin, part of a large and prosperous Jewish banking family. Although not pious, his parents were members of the Reform Judaism movement there and taught their son Hebrew and the basics of the Jewish faith.