MEMORIAL: JUNE 5
St. Boniface, originally named Winfrid, was born in the 7th century to a wealthy family in modern day Great Britain. At an early age, he entered the benedictine monastery for his education. He was ordained a priest when he turned 30. Instead of becoming an abbot, he decided to become a missionary to present day Netherlands and Germany.
After an unsuccessful missionary journey, he returned to Rome and Pope Gregory II instructed Boniface to go further into Germany to evangelize. Due to the death of King Radbod who had opposed his missionary attempts, this mission was successful and Boniface set up many Benedictine monasteries in the Germanic territories. Because of his success, Boniface was made a missionary Bishop and his position allowed him to cut down the sacred Oak Tree devoted to the Pagan God Thor at Giesmar. Boniface worked tirelessly to evangelize and opposed any Christian missionaries who were haphazardly spreading the faith. He looked to reform and poor Christian practices in the Germanic kingdom.
St. Boniface died a martyr at the hands of pagans while he was reading the scriptures to newly baptized Christians on Pentecost Sunday. St. Boniface is a doctor of the church and is known as the Apostle to Germany. He is the patron saint of World Youth Day and brewers.
