Saint’s Corner
St. Boniface
On June 5th we remember Saint Boniface, known as the apostle of Germany. Saint Boniface was born with the name Winfrid around the year 680.
At the age of five he decided to become a monk and two years later was sent to a monastery. Seven years later he was moved to the abbey of Nursling. When he finished his studies, he was given the position of director of the school because he was so good at teaching. He was ordained to the priesthood at the age of 30. Winfrid felt a call to the missionary life to enlighten the non-Christian areas of Europe during the dark ages.
In 716 he set off to start his missionary work. Several months later he realized that he was failing and returned to the Abbey. Two years later he presented himself before Pope St. Gregory II to ask for a commission to do his missionary work. Upon receiving the commission, Winfrid changed his name to Boniface. During the next four years he was so successful in preaching the Gospel that the Pope called him back to Rome and appointed St. Boniface Bishop of Germany.
He returned to Germany and during the next 32 years devoted his life to combating the pagan practices of its inhabitants with great success. He also helped to revitalize the Church in France. In 754, he was attacked by a hostile band and was martyred for the faith.