ST BONIFACE, BISHOP AND MARTYR

ST BONIFACE, BISHOP AND MARTYR - 5 JUNE

SAINT BONIFACE, BISHOP AND MARTYR

Saint Boniface was born in Devonshire, England, in the year 680. Some missionaries staying at his father's house spoke to him of heavenly things, and inspired him with a wish to devote himself, as they did, to God.

He entered the monastery of Exminster, and was there trained for his apostolic work. His first attempt to convert the pagans in Holland having failed, he went to Rome to obtain the Pope's blessing on his mission, and returned with authority to preach to the German tribes.

It was a slow and dangerous task; his own life was in constant peril, while his flock was often reduced to abject poverty by the wandering robber bands. Yet his courage never flagged.

A SLOW AND DANGEROUS TASK

He began with Bavaria and Thuringia, next visited Friesland, then passed on to Hesse and Saxony, everywhere destroying the idol temples and raising churches on their site. He endeavoured, as far as possible, to make every object of idolatry contribute in some way to the glory of God; on one occasion, having cut down on immense oak which was consecrated to Jupiter [the Donar Oak], he used the tree in building a church, which he dedicated to the Prince of the Apostles.

HE WAS RECALLED TO ROME

He was now recalled to Rome, consecrated Bishop by the Pope. [Archbishop of Mainz by Pope Gregory III.] When he, by now an old man, had set out to convert a fresh pagan tribe, a troop of pagans arrived, armed with swords and spears. His attendants would have opposed them, but the Saint said to his followers: "My children, cease your resistance; the long-expected day is come at last. Scripture forbids us to resist evil. Let us put our hope in God: He will save our souls."

Scarcely had he ceased speaking, when the barbarians fell upon him and slew him with all his companions including those converted locals who were there waiting to be baptised, to the number of fifty-two.

REFLECTION:

St Boniface teaches us how the love of Christ changes all things. It was for Christ's sake that he toiled for souls, preferring poverty to riches, labour to rest, suffering to pleasure, death to life, that by dying he might live with Christ.

From Fr Butler's Lives of the Saints

➡️ The Ordination of St Boniface

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Boniface 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.

St Boniface Monument, Fulda

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