Saint of the day November 7, 2024

Saint Willibrord, known as the Apostle of Frisia in the Netherlands, was a missionary archbishop whose life was marked by dedication and fervor for spreading Christianity. Born around 658 in Northumbria, England, he embarked on a remarkable journey of faith and service.

Willibrord’s early education took place at Ripon Monastery under the guidance of St. Wilfrid. Following this, he spent twelve formative years in Ireland, studying at the Abbey of Rathmelsigi, most likely Mellifont in County Louth, under the tutelage of Saints Egbert and Wigbert. During this time, he honed his knowledge and commitment to the missionary cause.

Around the year 690, Willibrord, accompanied by a group of twelve companions, set out for Frisia (Friesland) to evangelize the pagan population. In 693, he made a significant journey to Rome to seek papal approval for his mission. Pope Sergius I (reigned 687-701) wholeheartedly endorsed his efforts. During a subsequent visit to Rome, the Pope consecrated him as the archbishop to the Frisians in 696, establishing his see in Utrecht. His work received crucial support from Pepin of Heristal (reigned 687-714), a Frankish leader.

One of Willibrord’s enduring legacies was the founding of the monastery of Echternach in Luxembourg, which served as a vital center for missionary activities. He also extended his missionary endeavors into Denmark and Upper Friesland, despite facing constant dangers from hostile pagan populations. On one occasion, an enraged pagan attempted to murder him after he tore down an idol.

In 714, Duke Radbod reclaimed the extensive territories that Pepin had secured for Christianity, causing significant setbacks. However, Willibrord did not lose heart. Following Radbod’s death, he resumed his mission with renewed enthusiasm, receiving invaluable assistance from another renowned missionary, St. Boniface.

Saint Willibrord eventually passed away while on retreat at Echternach on November 7. Soon after his death, he was venerated as a saint, so that more and more pilgrims came to his grave, and about 800 AD the modest Merovingian church had to make room for a larger, three-aisle church, which was over 60 metres long.

His tireless efforts earned him the title of the Apostle of the Frisians, commemorating his pivotal role in bringing Christianity to the people of Frisia and neighboring regions.

Reflection

The world is constantly trying to take us off course, to distract us from what God is calling us to do. The saints dealt with distractions too. Take Saint Willibrord, for example. He didn’t just deal with the normal distractions of daily life. He also dealt with the distractions of a corrupt government trying to shut down Christianity.

But despite these distractions, Willibroard remained focused on his mission. He brought people to the faith and helped them turn away from false gods. He built places of worship, preached, and taught people about the Gospel. But he wasn’t always well received. At one point, King Radbod took over the region and exiled Willibrord, even erecting altars to false gods in the churches that Willibrord had opened. But resistance didn’t stop Willibrord from his mission. When the ruler died, Willebrord dismantled the altars of the false gods and became even more dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus. He never let the distractions of the world overtake his mission.

True zeal has its roots in the love of God. It can never be idle; it must labor, toil, be doing great things. It glows as fire; it is, like fire, insatiable. See if this spirit is in you!