St. Boniface

St. Boniface is known as the Apostle of Germany. He was originally called Winfrid. The date of his birth is not know; he was likely born in Wessex. He felt the call of religious life and after overcoming opposition from his father he went to train at the monastery of Adescancastre (present-day Exeter). He later went to the Abbey of Nhutscelle. After some time he secured the permission of his superior and of the pope to do missionary work in Germany. In 719, he sent out on his first tour of the German region. Many Christians were in this region, but many abuses, especially the mingling of pagan and Christian practices. Boniface worked strenuously to regulate these abuses and converted many people. In 722, he traveled to Rome, where the pope consecrated him bishop on November 30; it is at this time that he is thought to haven taken the name Boniface, although some scholars believe he may have taken this name when he became a monk. Returning to the German region Boniface continued to work fervently in the midst of many difficulties. In 754, while on his way to confirm some recently baptized Christians, Boniface and his companions were attacked and killed by pagans opposed to the spread of Christianity.