Our Patron, Saint Boniface
Bishop and Martyr (675 - 754)
Boniface was an English Benedictine missionary, known as the Apostle of Germany. Born Winfred or Wynfrith in Crediton, Devonshire, he was educated at the monastery in Nursling, Hampshire, England at which he became an abbot about 717. In 718 he was authorized by Pope Gregory II to preach Christianity to all the tribes of Germany. Boniface traveled through Thuringen, Bavaria, Friesland, Hessen, and Saxony (Sachsen). In 723 the pope called him to Rome, consecrated him bishop, and furnished him with letters to Charles Martel, Frankish ruler of Austrasia, and all princes and bishops, requesting their aid in his work. Returning to Hessen the following year, Boniface destroyed the objects of heathen worship and founded churches and convents. In recognition of his services, Pope Gregory III named him archbishop and primate of all Germany, with power to establish dioceses. Boniface made a third journey to Rome in 738 and was appointed papal legate for Germany. On the eve of Pentecost in 754 Boniface, while preparing for the confirmation of some of his converts in Dokkum, West Friesland (now in the Netherlands), was attacked by a hostile band. While exhorting his companions to trust in God, he was killed when one of his enemies thrust an axe into his chest. His body rests at Fulda, Germany and his feast day is June 5th. Boniface's emblem is a book, pierced with an ax.