S BONIFACE (675-754)

 Boniface was born in Wessex, England. When he was small, some missionaries stayed a while at his home. They told the boy all about their work. 

    They were so happy and excited about bringing the Good News to people. Boniface decided in his heart that he would be just like them when he grew up. While still young, 

    he went to a monastery school to be educated. Some years later, he became a popular teacher. When he was ordained a Priest, he was a powerful preacher because he was full 

    of enthusiasm. Boniface wanted everyone to have the opportunity to know about and love Jesus and his Church. He became a missionary to the western part of Germany. 

    Pope St. Gregory II blessed him and sent him on this mission. Boniface preached with great success. Everywhere he preached, new members were received into the Church. 

    In 732, the new Pope, St. Gregory III made Boniface an Archbishop and gave him another mission territory. It was Bavaria, which is part of Germany today. 

    One day, he was preparing to confirm some converts. A group of fierce warriors swooped down on the camp. Boniface would not let his companions defend him. 

    The Barbarians attacked and Boniface was the first one to be killed. He died a martyr on June 5. He was buried at the famous monastery he had started at Fulda, Germany.





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