Saint Ulrich, of noble Alemannic birth to Hupald and Thetpirga, was frail in infancy until a visiting cleric insisted he be weaned, saving his life and predicting his future importance. Raised and educated at St. Gall under the teacher Waning and counseled by the recluse Wiberat, Ulrich developed deep religious devotion and scholarship. Returned to his family, he entered the service of Bishop Adalbero of Augsburg as chamberlain, gaining favor and influence. On a pilgrimage to Rome he met Pope Marinus, who revealed that Adalbero had died and prophesied Ulrich's episcopal destiny, foretelling his trials and eventual role in governing and restoring the church.