BL. GODFREY OF CAPPENBERG - 14 JANUARY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JANUARY

Saints celebrated on the 14th of January

WELCOME!

BLESSED GODFREY OF CAPPENBERG, RELIGIOUS

(January 13 in some calendars - Godefridus, Gottfried, Conf. Ord. Praem.)  Saint Godfrey was born in 1097 in the Westphalian castle Cappenberg (Kappenberg), the seat of the counts of renowned name. 

AN ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY

His father was called Gottfrid, Count von Cappenberg, from the blood of Charlemagne; his mother was Beatrix, born of the German emperors from the Swabian Haue. 

He was ignited through the zeal of St Norbert, who had just founded the Premonstratensian Order, and was so moved that in 1122 he turned his father's castle into a monastery and at the same time persuaded his wife Jutta to leave the world in order to serve the Lord alone in monastic seclusion. 

HE FOUNDED THREE PREMONSTRATENSIAN MONASTERIES

He now founded three Premonstratensian monasteries: Cappenberg, Varlar and Ilbenstadt or Ilmstadt in the Wetterau. 

He also induced his brother Otto and his sister Beatrix to consecrate themselves to the Lord. He was already known for his delicate conscience and his piety. As a monk he wanted to be the lowest everywhere and always preferred the humblest of tasks. He permitted nobody to address him by his aristocratic title. 

HE DIED TO THE WORLD BEFORE HE HAD TO LEAVE IT

When he prayed or listened to God's word, he shed abundant tears. He lived very strictly and enjoyed almost nothing but bread and water. So he died to the world before he had to leave it. 

Nothing pleased him more than the approach of his than the thought of the hour of death: "Oh, would it came soon," he sighed often, "the hour of our devotion; Oh Lord my God, prepare me for this hour!" 

"NOW THEY COME, THE MESSENGERS OF THE LORD MY CREATOR"

Finally he fell ill on the way to Magdeburg, on a monastic errand. He once more humbly asked his confreres for forgiveness if he had insulted or annoyed them as he prepared himself to die. 

As he was about to breathe his last, he exclaimed: "Now they come, the messengers of the Lord my Creator," whereupon he, passed away in the Lord on January 13, 1127. 

Source: Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Blessed Godfrey may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.