St. Willibrord
Bishop and Apostle of the Frisians
Feast Day: November 7
Biography
St. Willibrord (c. 658–739) was born in Northumbria, in northern England, and as a boy was given to the monastery of Ripon, then led by St. Wilfrid. Around the age of twenty he went to Ireland, where he spent about twelve years at the monastery of Rath Melsigi, a center that trained English missionaries. In 690 he set out with eleven companions to preach to the Frisians, a pagan people living along the coast of what is now the Netherlands. With the support of the Frankish ruler Pepin, he established the mission, and in 695 Pope Sergius I consecrated him archbishop of the Frisians in Rome, giving him the name Clement. He made Utrecht the center of his work. Around 698 he founded the abbey of Echternach, in present-day Luxembourg, which became his base and his beloved home. His work suffered serious setbacks when the Frisian ruler Radbod turned against the mission, but after Radbod's death in 719 Willibrord resumed his labors, for a time assisted by the young St. Boniface. He died at Echternach on November 7, 739, and was buried in the abbey church. His life was written by Alcuin, who was a relative. Each year on Whit Tuesday, pilgrims honor him in the famous dancing procession of Echternach.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Willibrord, you left your homeland to bring the light of Christ to the peoples of the Low Countries. Pray for the Church in Europe, that it may rediscover the joy of the Gospel. When my efforts meet with setbacks, help me to keep sowing the good seed with patience and trust, knowing that God gives the growth. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Willibrord, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Willibrord, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.