SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MARCH 26TH

MEMORIAL OF SAINT LUDGER, BISHOP OF MÜNSTER, APOSTLE OF SAXONY: FEAST DAY ~ MARCH 26TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Ludger, the first Bishop of Münster and the Apostle of Saxony (Patron Saint of Groningen, Netherlands; Deventer, Netherlands; East Frisia; Diocese of Münster, Germany; Werden, Germany). Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and this Holy Saint, we humbly pray for the conversion of sinners, for persecuted Christians, for an end to religious and political unrest, and for justice, peace, love, and unity in a world torn apart by war, terrorism, racism, and countless other acts of violence against human life.

Saint Ludger, Bishop of Münster, Apostle of Saxony ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

SAINT LUDGER, BISHOP OF MÜNSTER, APOSTLE OF SAXONY: Saint Ludger of Münster (743-809), also known as Saint Ludger of Utrecht. He was a dedicated missionary among the Frisians and Saxons, founder of Werden Abbey, and the first Bishop of Münster in Westphalia. He is often called the ‘Apostle of Saxony’ for his tireless efforts in bringing Christianity to the Frisians and Saxons.

St. Ludger was born in Friesland (the Netherlands) about the year 743. He came from a noble family and, from a young age, demonstrated a deep love for learning and faith. St. Ludger’s father, a nobleman of the first rank, at the child’s own request, committed him very young to the care of Saint Gregory, Bishop of Utrecht, a disciple of Saint Boniface and his successor in the government of the see of Utrecht. Saint Gregory nurtured his vocation and educated him in his monastery of Utrecht, and gave him the clerical tonsure. St. Ludger, desirous of further religious studies, passed over into England, and spent four and a half years at a famous school at York, under Alcuin, Rector one of the greatest scholars of his time.

In 773 he returned home, and when Saint Gregory died in 776, his successor, Alberic, compelled Saint Ludger to receive the priesthood. The new bishop employed him for several years in preaching the Word of God in Friesland, where he converted great numbers, founded several monasteries, and built many churches. The pagan Saxons then entered and ravaged the country, and drove out the missionaries. Saint Ludger traveled to Rome to consult Pope Adrian II as to what course he should take, and what he thought God required of him. He then retired for three and a half years to Monte Cassino to study Saint Benedict’s Rule; there he wore the habit of the Order and conformed to its practices during his stay, but made no religious vows. In 787, Charlemagne overcame the Saxons, conquering Friesland and the coast of the Germanic Ocean as far as Denmark. Saint Ludger was sent by the Emperor, who had heard of him, to evangelize the pagans of five districts; thus he returned into East Friesland, where he brought the Saxons to the Faith, with the province of Westphalia. He founded the monastery of Werden, twenty-nine miles from Cologne. In 802, Hildebald, Archbishop of Cologne, in spite of his strenuous resistance, ordained him Bishop of Munster. He joined to his diocese five cantons of Friesland which he had converted, overseeing the newly converted regions, and founded the monastery of Helmstad in the duchy of Brunswick.

Saint Ludger’s holiness extended beyond his missionary zeal he was a man of deep prayer, humility, and wisdom. Once, he was being accused and summoned to Emperor Charlemagne’s court on accusations of wasting and misusing church funds, and neglecting the embellishment of churches. The prince ordered him to appear at court. Saint Ludger, when summoned before the Emperor, was at prayer, and told the messenger he would follow him as soon as he had finished his devotions. He was sent for three times before he was ready, and his delay was represented to the Emperor by the courtiers as contempt for his Majesty. He delayed his arrival to finish his prayers. The Emperor, with some emotion, asked Saint Ludger why he had made him wait so long, though he had sent for him often. The bishop answered that although he had the most profound respect for his Majesty, yet God was infinitely above him; he owed his first duty to God. He said that while we are occupied with Him, it is our duty to forget everything else. This answer made such an impression on Charlemagne that he dismissed him with honor and disgraced his accusers.

Saint Ludger was favored and blessed with the gifts of miracles and prophecy, though he sought to keep these hidden and desired that these not be published. He continued serving tirelessly until his final day. His last sickness did not hinder him from continuing his functions up to and including the last day of his life, which was Passion Sunday. On that day he preached very early in the morning, said Holy Mass towards nine, and preached again before nightfall, in another town. Knowing his time had come, he foretold his own death that night. He told those with him that he would die during the night, and indicated a place where he had he had prepared in his monastery of Werden Abbey where he wished to be interred. He died as he foretold, on March 26, 809 at midnight. Saint Ludger’s legacy lives on in the diocese of Münster, the monastic communities he founded, and the countless souls he brought to Christ.

Patronage: Groningen, Deventer, East Frisia, Roman Catholic Diocese of Münster, Germany and Essen-Werden, Germany.

PRAYER: Dear St Ludger, student of St Gregory, devoted missionary and fearless apostle, you tirelessly spread the light of Christ to those in darkness. Lend me your steadfast determination to serve Christ. Through your intercession, grant us the courage to proclaim the Gospel in our own time, to remain steadfast in prayer, and to trust in God’s providence. Help us to live lives of faith and service, seeking first the Kingdom of God. Amen. 🙏🏽

Heavenly Father, may we learn from St. Ludger this great lesson of giving You our full attention while in prayer. Lord, forgive us for the times that we are easily distracted or so quickly leave you to answer a phone or talk to a friend. We thank you for your patience and mercy, dear Father, and pray that we are daily conformed to be more like your saints in heaven. In Christ’s name we pray… Amen🙏🏽