His Example Still Inspires

Baptized Winfrid, a man later known as Boniface and perhaps one of the most influential Englishmen to hit the Continent, first answered the call to become a Benedictine, being ordained a priest at the age of 30, and then  answered a further call to become a missionary.  His first attempt in Friesland was unsuccessful, but commissioned by the Pope, he was sent to what is now Germany as its Bishop with the formidable task of converting the people and establishing the Church.  With zeal, perseverance and daring, he did just that, laboring for over 40 years.  A major gain was made when he axed a tree worshipped by the people;  no gods struck him down, but it is said a wind came up and helped fell the tree which broke into four parts when it hit the ground, convincing the onlookers that the God Boniface preached was the true God. Even after his "retirement "the Apostle of Germany kept evangelizing and met a martyr's death at the age of 72.  His zealous energy continues to inspire us to take up the work of evangelization wherever we are, and,if necessary, to pick up an ax and chop away at the idols that continue to appear.
Bro. Rene