Category:Saint Boniface

Saint Boniface - Bishop and Martyr Born: c. 7th century in Crediton, Devon Died: 5 June 754 in Dokkum, Frisia Honored in: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran Church, Anglican Communion Major shrine: Fulda Cathedral Feast: 5 June Attributes: axe; book; oak; scourge; sword Patronage: brewers; Fulda; Germany; World Youth Day

(born about 673, martyred in 754, Memorial on June 5)
 * Boniface was originally born with the name Winfrid in England in the late 600's. He Joined the Benedictines and was ordained when he was thirty. He journeyed to Rome and on May 15, 719, he received Pope Gregory II's permission to preach to the pagan Germans on the east side of the Rhine. After successfuly converting many heathens and bringing many lapsed Christians back to the faith, he again returned to Rome and was consecrated a regional bishop. Boniface returned to Germany and continued his work in conversion and repentance, and also undertook the correction of heretics. Pope Gregory III appointed Boniface an Archbishop and permitted him to consecrate bishops as necessary. After further labors, Boniface went to Rome again to ask to resign, but Pope Gregory III congratulated Boniface for his work and would not permit Boniface to resign. Boniface returned to Germany again with additional authority as a legate of the Holy See and worked to reform the clergy. Boniface was appointed Archbishop of Mainz and Primate of Germany by Pope Zachary. Boniface resigned from the archbishopric of Mainz in 754 in order to work for the conversion of the Frisians. He was martyred by heathens while assembling new converts for confirmation.