BLESSED ISFRID, BISHOP OF RATZEBURG - 15 JUNE

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JUNE

Saints celebrated on the 15th of June

BLESSED ISFRID, BISHOP OF RATZEBURG

Blessed Isfrid, (Isfridus), Isfroi in French, a Premonstratensian, became bishop of Ratzeburg. As bishop, he once turned water into wine. He died in A.D. 1204. 

The blessed contributed much to the spread of  the teachings of Christianity among the Wends [a tribe in the area]. W.W.* (IX. 36) relates that he was formerly provost of the Magdeburg monastery. The successor of the blessed bishop Evermod as the second (properly third) in succession, Isfrid reigned from A.D. 1180-1204 and was a man of great patience, extreme abstinence and entirely devoted to God. 

According to Zedler* and Ebeling, who also refers to him as Henry the Lion's confessor, Isfrid had been provost of the Jerichow monastery prior to ascending the episcopal chair.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 2, Augsburg, 1869, p. 72)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of the blessed Isfrid 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.