Crusades

St. Boniface

St. Boniface, originally named Winfrith, was an extremely studious man, a converted monk, priest, missionary and finally martyr. Born in 672, near Exeter, England, St. Boniface at an early age developed a desire to follow the path of God and live a monastic life. Through non-stop prayer and religious practices, he tuned his mind and body to reach beyond the obstacles and enticements of everyday life at his young adult age. He was a major influence on society during his life and affected the lives and history of Germany permanently. Often called the "Apostle of Germany", St. Boniface was a strong believer in the principles of the Church and truly wanted to open any pagan believers minds to the knowledgeable and rewarding path of the Christian life.

In his youth, St. Boniface encountered many priests or clerics who traveled from town to town. Through these spiritual conversations, it became evident to St. Boniface that he wanted to pursue a life with God. Eventually, after continuos begging and his fathers fatal sickness, he was sent to the care of the Monastery of Examchester. (Appleton) It is here, that St. Boniface expressed to the Abbot at the time, that he wanted to live a monastic life. The father of the monastery, after council, granted him his wish. Here is where the saint began to prove his love for God, and could begin his journey of the Christian life. After exceeding all expectations and surpassing the knowledge of his teachers, he moved to a neighboring monastery, called Nursling, whereby he studied under the influence of Abbot Winbert.(St. Boniface Church) Here he gained vast knowledge of scriptures and the spiritual exposition of the Bible. Here, he gained such a reputation that men and women from far and wide traveled to study scriptures under his guidance. At the age of 30 he was humbly ordained a priest and yet another branch of his life was fulfilled.

St. Boniface once again yearned to explore and travel. Through such ventures he could express the meaning of God to non believers and convert as many as possible. After continuos begging, Abbot Winbert gave in and Boniface's petition was granted. During this journey, Boniface's first obstacle appeared. "King Radbod, the King of the Frisians, and Prince Charles, the noble Duke of the Franks broke out in battle."(Appleton) Through disturbances from both sides and hostile incursion by pagans, many churches were destroyed and replaced with pagan shrines. This was his first setback. He was not able to dull the battles nor convert the pagans. He viewed the land and the people and knew what he needed to accomplish within himself. Furthermore he was aware of what new goals he needed to reach for himself. He returned back home to England, but was welcomed by his master, Abbot Winbert's last days. After a few years, St. Boniface left England for the last time, and centered his trip to Rome, to see the pope himself, Gregory the second. Once again, he begged the pope to travel to savage lands to report upon the Germanic people.

Once in Thuringia, he began to speak to the elders of the church, the princes and the people of the true way of knowledge and understanding that they have lost through years of perverse teachings (Talbot). He removed evil from minds and directed it towards a life of virtue. Afterwards, he traveled into France and heard news that King Radbod died. St. Boniface was now able to sail up river to Frisia and speak the word of God. He joyfully reached areas that were previously untouched by the Gospel, and spread the word of Christianity to pagans.(Dunney) Thus ending the pagan superstition in the area. He converted many more pagans in Germany until returning back to Rome to visit the Pope. After a few day visit, the Pope consecrated to Winfrith St. Boniface.

St. Boniface once again traveled back to Germany and heard that there were "sacrifices to trees and springs, to inspect the entrails of victims; some practiced divination, legerdemain and incantations" (Talbot). Boniface, in the face of the pagans, attempted to cut down a giant oak tree in Gaesmere. Supposedly it took a few swings, then the giant tree collapsed, leaving all viewers in awe. The viewers then switched their opinions and began to believe in the Lord.

St. Boniface continued his path of righteousness until his last journey in Frisia. On a set day to confirm all recently baptized, enemies came instead and brought death to St. Boniface and his attendants. Boniface talked his attendants to put down their weapons and go in peace, preaching, " Sons, cease fighting. Lay down your arms, for we are told in Scripture not to render evil for good but to over some evil by good. The hour to which we have long looked forward is near and the day of our release is at hand...put your trust in him and he will grant deliverance to your souls."( Talbot). With those last words St. Boniface was slain and died a martyr June 5th 754.

The purpose of Boniface life was essentially to convert all pagans to Christianity and the reformation of corrupt Churches as he saw fit. He dedicated his life towards the study and worship of God, and sacrificed family and material possessions on his path. He continuously worked, progressing his own intelligence of Christianity, but progressed the religion as a whole. During his first visit to Germany, he returned to England unsuccessful due to the quarrels of King Radbod,