Saint Boniface was born in England about the year 673. He was first professed in the monastic life at Exeter but in 719 went to Germany to preach the Gospel. He made many converts there and was consecrated bishop, ruling over the church at Mainz. He attracted many companions by whose help he founded or restored dioceses in Bavaria, Thuringia and Franconia. He also convened councils and promulgated laws. While preaching the Gospel to the Frisians, Saint Boniface was killed by pagans in 754. His body is buried in the monastery of Fulda.
As the cool illustration shows, one of the things that Saint Boniface was known for was destroying pagan shrines and building Christian Churches on top of them to show the power of the true God. Here he is depicted chopping down a holy tree dedicated to the pagan God Thor. In other words, Saint Boniface was definitely not politically correct in respecting the beliefs of the pagans! In our politically correct, morally relativistic culture, where we are required to believe that the beliefs of all people are equally valid, no doubt Saint Boniface would get martyred again.
Lord, your martyr Boniface spread the faith by his teaching and witnessed to it with his blood. By the help of his prayers keep us loyal to our faith and give us the courage to profess it in our lives. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Source: Liturgy of the Hours).
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