St Boniface

There are several recognized saints named Boniface, but the one featured here is also known as Boniface of Crediton (Devon, England) from his place of birth in around 680. His birth name was Wynfrith.

Until about the age of 40 he was a monk, firstly at Exeter and later at Nursling near Southampton. He was a scholar who expounded the Bible and produced the first Latin grammar written in England.

In 718 he left England for the Continent and never returned. He worked as a missionary among the heathen tribes in several areas of what is now Germany and had considerable success.

Boniface made several journeys to Rome and was made a bishop, his see being that of Mainz. He was later appointed archbishop by Pope Gregory III with a mission to organise church activities throughout Germany. He invited several missionaries over from England to help him in his work, these including women as well as men. He and his team established a number of monasteries, most notably that at Fulda (Hesse).

The story that is most often told about Boniface is that of the Oak of Thor near Fritzlar in Hesse. The tree stood at the top of Mount Gudenberg and was held sacred by the local pagans. Boniface determined to cut down this symbol of paganism but the locals were convinced that Thor would strike him dead when he attempted to do so. However, after only one blow from Boniface’s axe the oak broke into four pieces and crashed to the ground – or so it is said.

Boniface used the wood from the tree to build a chapel dedicated to St Peter. The current St Peter’s church in Fritzlar dates from the 11^th century. There is a statue of St Boniface close by.

When aged over 70 Boniface turned his attention to Holland, but his efforts to convert the Dutch pagans led to his martyrdom. He and several companions were killed by Frisians at Dokkum in 754. His body was returned to Fulda where he was buried. He is commemorated by the Catholic Church on 5^th June.

© John Welford