Homily Ninth Friday of Ordinary Time (Feast of St. Boniface)
Homily Ninth Friday of Ordinary Time (Feast of St. Boniface)
We don’t often remember the Saints who were instrumental in converting Europe to Christianity other than St. Patrick who converted Ireland, but there were other missionaries who did unbelievable work. We remember one of them today, St. Boniface. Boniface is known as the missionary who converted Germany to the Catholic faith.
St. Boniface was born in England in 675. He was educated there by Benedictine monks. As a young monk he showed great aptitude for the Latin language and a wonderful knowledge of scripture. He also was a great preacher. He could have been secure in England but chose instead to be a missionary in Germany.
Native religious and non-Christian rulers who resisted Christianity were great obstacles to the spread of Christianity, but Boniface was a persistent missionary. He eventually became a bishop. He established many monasteries in Germany. Pope Gregory II gave him a direct mandate to preach in Bavaria.
Boniface was fearless in his preaching. Legend has it that some German people were afraid of an Oak tree which they were convinced had miraculous powers. Boniface cut the tree down and when nothing happened to him many people were convinced in the power of Christianity. St. Boniface’s strong advocacy for Christianity won many converts, but also caused Boniface to have many enemies.
On one of his missionary journeys, Boniface was attacked by one of the German tribes who opposed him. He ordered his entourage not to resist the attack and he and 53 companions were killed. Boniface’s life ended in dramatic fashion. He was martyred for the faith.
Reflection Questions:
1. Boniface was a strong advocate for Christianity. He knew his faith and proclaimed it strongly. What could I do to learn more about the faith I profess?
2. Boniface earned respect by his deeds. It is amazing that he was able to start so many religious communities and baptize thousands of people. Do people see my Christianity shine forth in my actions?
Dear Parishioners,
I would like to remind people of a few things about this weekend. If we keep hearing things, usually information registers in our minds.
First, remember that we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. in the church. We can only allow 10 people into the church at a time. Come to the east door of the church and we will dismiss you from your car to go into the church. The priests will be available as long as there are penitents.
Second, the Mass schedule on Saturday will consist of a live stream Mass at 8 a.m. on Saturday followed by communion in the parking lot. The Saturday afternoon Mass will be live streamed at 4 p.m. with communion following outside. This Mass will be embedded on our website for those who will not be attending Sunday Mass in person.
Third, we will have Sunday Mass outside Culemans Hall this Sunday at 9 a.m. Please bring your own chair or blanket to sit on. It would be a good idea to also bring bug spray. There are no reservations needed for this Mass. We can accommodate as many people as may want to attend. We hope to have two Masses in church next weekend. We will be sharing more information about this soon. The 9 a.m. outside Mass will be an option for everyone for the next few weeks.
May Our Lady and all the angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Ma