During his lifetime, he became known as the "Almoner of the Poor", and is honored as a saint by the Catholic Church.

[1] Adolf became a canon of the Cathedral of Cologne, but then entered a Cistercian monastery, where he became known for his piety.

[2] In 1216 he was elected Bishop of Osnabrück (after an earlier election had been cancelled by the pope) and maintained charitable programs there.

[3] Adolf's cultus was recognized by Pope Urban VIII in 1625.

His feast day is celebrated on 11 February.