ST STURMIUS, ABBOT - 17 DECEMBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN DECEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 17th of December

WELCOME!

SAINT STURMIUS, ABBOT

St Sturmius, actually Sturm, (Sturmi, Stormi, Styrme, Sturmus), came from noble, at least honourable parents in Noricum (Nordgau). His year of birth falls between the years 710 and 715. 

When St Boniface toured the Nordgau (the area around Nuremberg) around 735, Sturmius joined him. From now on we find the promising young man in Fritzlar in Hesse, where he went through the novitiate and undertook his studies. This monastery had been founded by St Boniface in 732. At the time when St Sturmius entered, it was under the careful and insightful direction of Abbot Wigbert.

HE BECAME A PRIEST

Sturmius' behaviour was full of noble decency, his conduct without blame. His friendly, cheerful, lively manner, tempered by humility and meekness, won him the affection and love of teachers and students. After he reached the required minimum age, he became a priest in about 740.

He began preaching the word of God all around. He not only confirmed his sermons by example, but also performed many miracles through special gifts of grace.

THE WILDERNESS OF BUCHONIA

After three years of blessed activity he went with two comrades, with the consent of St Boniface, into the wilderness of Buchonia, i. e. to the vast forest that stretched between Oberlahn and Saale, the Werra and the Mittelmain, in order to dedicate himself to the contemplative life and to establish a new settlement for his order.

THE RULE OF ST BENEDICT WAS ADOPTED

On March 12, 744 the construction of the monastery was tackled while singing psalms and continuous prayer. Seven Benedictines, led by St Sturmius, were living in the new settlement. After four years everything was ready. The Rule of St Benedict was adopted in its original austerity,  they never ate meat and never drank wine, only beer and water.

THEY NEVER ATE MEAT

A settlement for missionaries had thus been added, which was close to the Saxon brothers and yet safe from sudden attacks, and which, through its location, offered at the same time sufficient connection with the episcopal city of Mainz. The Benedictines did not just want to preach, but even more to win the hearts of the pagans to the divine Saviour through their prayers and through the example of their pious life dead to the world.

The monastery was called monasterium S. Salvatoris in Silva Buchonia. That is why the first altar in Fulda was consecrated in honour of the Redeemer, the Mother of God and the twelve apostles.

GOD'S BLESSING

The reputation of the monastery increased every day; under God's visible blessing it grew more and more, inwardly and outwardly. The monks were poor and lived of the produce of their labour only. They had no servants of any kind, just as they were not allowed to have serfs, and often found themselves in noticeable shortage due to the increase in novices. But, for God's sake, they liked to undergo the most strenuous burdens.

ST BONIFACE'S DEATH

How much St Boniface loved this foundation, he did also prove by showing St Sturmius the place in it where he wanted to be buried. Sadness and joy at the same time filled the heart of the faithful pupil when he had to fulfil this last will in 755.

In Fulda itself, settlements formed around the monastery, which gradually grew into a town. Soon there were 400 monks in Fulda who were led by St Sturmius. At that time, and for a long time afterwards, the monastery was truly a "house of God's servants."

HIS HOLY LIFE AND HIS APOSTOLIC LOVE AND SACRIFICE

St Sturmius through his urgent addresses to the Saxons, through his holy life and through his apostolic love and sacrifice, managed with God’s grace to break their pride so that they submitted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

HE CAUSED THEM TO RENOUNCE THEIR IDOLS VOLUNTARILY

He caused them to renounce their idols voluntarily, to destroy their images, and to cut down their former "sacred groves". Many even followed the saint to Fulda and settled in the area. In particular, the district of the Diemel, the area of ​​Stadtberge, and where the diocese of Paderborn was later established, enjoyed the efficacy of the saint. Especially in 776 and 777 he baptised and taught a large number of Saxons here. For this reason he was also called "the apostle of the Saxons" and of Paderborn in particular. But if the strong arm of Charlemagne had not occasionally protected the young monastery, it would not have been able to withstand the devastating incursions of those who remained pagan.

When St Sturmius felt that his hour had come and that human help was in vain, he ordered to pray and to ring all bells. Then, as the departing father, he gave his family the final admonitions.

HIS MEMORY WAS ALWAYS HELD IN HONOUR

It was December 17, 779. His memory was always held in honour and celebrated by the brothers in Fulda.

In the Fulda Office it says:

"Rest Sturmius gently, heaven calls you

Eternal reward, to which you, father, soar.

Yours stand crying, and they still do

You will intercede for us, you promised!"

(From Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913)