Saint Boniface

Saint Boniface (675?-754), English Benedictine missionary, known as the Apostle of Germany. Born Winfrid or Wynfrith in Crediton, Devonshire, he was educated at the monastery in Nursling, Hampshire, 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 Thüringen, Bavaria, Friesland, Hessen, and Saxony. 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 bishoprics. Boniface made a third journey to Rome in 738 and was appointed papal legate for Germany. He was killed at Dokkum, West Friesland (now in the Netherlands), by a band of non-Christians. His feast day is June 5.