ST WOLBODO, BISHOP OF LIEGE

ST WOLBODO, BISHOP OF LIEGE - 21 APRIL

SAINT WOLBODO, BISHOP OF LIEGE

Saint Wolbodo (Volbodo), commemorated on April 21 and April 30, was Bishop of Liège (Lüttich). He rests in the St Lawrence Church in Liège. Wolbodo, who is also referred to as "Blessed Wolbodo", was of born in Flanders of noble family and was probably educated by pious monks in Utrecht. An excellent student, Wolbodo later became Magister scholarum and soon also provost at Utrecht Cathedral. Emperor Henry II, the saint, counted him among his friends and made him his court chaplain. When the episcopal see of Liège became vacant due to Baldrich's death in 1017, Wolbodo was appointed his successor, and consecrated by Archbishop Heribert of Cologne.

As bishop he tended his flock, the inheritance of Christ, in purity of heart with wisdom and consideration. He spent many nights without sleep, walking from one church to another, even in winter, so that his feet were often very sore. The sick and poor also received plenty and good things from his episcopal table, while he made do with little for himself. Once he travelled to Cologne, where the emperor was staying for Christmas and impressed him by his selflessness and generosity towards the disenfranchised. The emperor spent the following Easter in Liège and on this occasion entrusted him with the expansion and care of the newly built St Jacob's Monastery, for which he provided him with significant funds.

Around Easter time in 1021, Wolbodo became so seriously ill that he felt his death approaching. He lay down on sackcloth and ashes, spending the remainder of his earthly pilgrimage in incessant prayer. Nevertheless the devil undertook to frighten him, but the holy bishop dispelled any fear, sprinkling himself with holy water and protecting himself by the Sign of the Cross, the symbol and glory of the faithful believers, and exclaimed: "O wretched inhabitant of the darkness, I have nothing to do with you, for my portion is Christ in the land of the living!" After this incident, Bishop Lawrence appeared to Wolbodo and told him that the following Thursday, he would be with him in eternity. He did indeed die on the specified date after receiving the Last Rites, amid constant prayers, during which he clasped and kissed the crucifix, for the edification of all those present. His solemn funeral took place on Friday.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints)

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

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

Sources of these articles (in the original German): books.google.co.uk, de-academic.com, zeno.org, openlibrary.org

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