<p>Born around 680 in Devonshire, England, Wynfrid was raised in English Benedictine monasteries. By 717, he was a renowned teacher and preacher, but gave up his work in response to a call to the mission field of Friesland (northern Netherlands), where he laboured alongside Saint Willibrord.</p>
<p>He travelled to Rome where Pope Gregory II gave him the name Boniface, along with a commission to preach to the heathen. Later, he was made a bishop and received official documents to ensure his protection from pagan rulers. At Geismar, Boniface made a tremendous impression on a huge gathering of pagans by destroying the great Oak of Thor, an object of pagan worship, without being harmed by 'the gods.'</p>
<p>Boniface's work in Germany and in the Frankish Church as missionary, organizer and reformer was outstanding and lasting. He is called the "Apostle of Germany." On June 5, 754, he and 30 companions were killed by non-Christians as he was preparing to confirm more converts.©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</p>
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