Catholic Fire

Today, June 5th, is the memorial of St. Boniface, bishop and martyr. St. Boniface was born in Devonshire, England, around 680. Known as the apostle of Germany, Boniface was an English Benedictine monk who gave up being elected abbot to devote his life to the conversion of the Germanic tribes. It was a slow and dangerous task; his life was in constant peril, while his flock was often reduced to abject poverty by wandering bands of robbers. Yet his courage never failed. He began with Bavaria and Thuringia, next visited Friesland, and then passed on to Hesse and Saxony, everywhere destroying the idol temples and raising churches in their place. After being recalled to Rome and consecrated bishop by the Pope, he returned to extend and organize the rising German Church. With diligent care he reformed abuses among the clergy, while establishing religious houses throughout the land. Feeling his infirmities increase, Saint Boniface appointed a Superior for his monastery and set out to ...

St. Norbert was born in the area of Cleves to a noble family around the year 1080. Although he became a cleric, he lived a worldly life for many years. However, he experienced a conversion experience in 1115. While riding one day, he was overtaken by a thunderstorm. A flash of lightning struck the ground before him, the horse threw him, and he seemed to hear a voice upbraiding him for his conduct. As in the case of St. Paul, the experience wrought a complete transformation. Norbert decided to give away his property and income rights, and to lead an austere life. He joined the Benedictines of Siegburg and was ordained to the priesthood in 1115. Undertaking the apostolic life, he accepted the duty of preaching, particularly throughout France and Germany. Gathering together some companions, he laid the foundations of the Premonstratensian Order, for which he also founded monasteries. In 1125, Norbert was named archbishop of Magdeburg. On July 13, 1126, he entered the city and came barefoo...