Today we celebrate the feast of "the apostle to Germany" – St. Boniface. He was an 8th century bishop who very much had the heart of the Good Shepherd. He was very pastoral, loving and caring to those under his care!
He was born in England about the year 673. He was first professed in the Benedictine monastic life at Exeter but in 719 went to Germany to preach the Gospel. He made many converts 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 council and promulgated laws. While preaching the Gospel to the Frisians – who were a life-long concern and object for his pastoral care – he was killed by pagans in 754.
The first reading today gives us the constant theme of Boniface's preaching and teaching: the basic, fundamental and so very necessary need for repentance and conversion. He relied on the power and strength of the Holy Spirit to accomplish this work through him – and it happened, both in season and out of season!
We thank St. Boniface for his example of fully giving himself to his life's work in the Church – and for being a vehicle for many to experience the gentle, compassionate and nurturing love of the Good Shepherd. In giving his life for the faith – he proved his dedication to God in an extraordinary way – we ask his prayer today so that we too might give our lives completely the Christ who always gives his live completely for and to us!
He went out into the world – and he told the Good News! and the news endured!
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