Winfred (the saint's baptismal name) was born in England about 675.  Descended from a noble family, he showed great ability and received a religious education.  He finally obtained his father's permission to enter the monastery of Adescancastre.  Here, Winifred is being received by Abbot Wolfhard.

At thirty, after professing as a member of the Benedictine Order, Winfred was ordained a priest.  After many honors at home and missions in Friesland (a country in present day Holland) he was received by Pope Gregory II on May 15, 719, and was granted full authority to preach the Gospel in Germany.

Following Pope Gregory's instructions, he traveled throughout Germany and found sad conditions.  Great numbers had returned to their old religions.  He traveled about with tireless energy, preaching fearlessly and baptizing as he went.

Winfred, after years of missionary work in Germany, sent one of his disciples with a letter to Rome recounting his labors and asking further directions.   Pope Gregory summoned him to Rome and consecrated him a regional bishop with the name Boniface, which means 'a man who does good deeds.'  He was sent back to Germany.  He administered the sacrament of Confirmation everywhere and continued his missionary work.

Boniface returned to find that his problems had worsened. People were attracted by Christianity but unable to give up their old religion and superstitions, perhaps out of fear of being different or of how their old "gods" would react. Knowing that the people needed a reason to let go, Boniface called the tribes to a display of power. As the people watched, Boniface approached the giant oak of Geismar, a sacred tree dedicated to Thor, with an axe. Some of the people must have trembled with each stroke of his axe, but nothing happened. Finally with a crack, the tree split in four parts that we, are told, fell to the ground in the shape of a cross. There stood Boniface, axe in hand, unharmed by their old gods, strong in the power of the one God.

St. Boniface Dedicates a Monastery in Fulda

Pope Gregory II died and was succeeded by Gregory III who congratulated Boniface and in recognition made him an Archbishop.  Boniface built many other churches and monasteries, notably the great Monastery at Fulda that had been established under his supervision by St. Sturm.  Here was his last resting place.  The window shows the dedication ceremony and the installation of Abbot Sturnius.

St. Boniface's Martyrdom

 On June 5, the day before Pentecost, Boniface was prepared to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Since there was not enough room in the church, he decided to conduct the service in an open field.  Tents were erected and while Boniface was waiting for the converts, an enemy band attacked his camp.  Boniface and fifty two companions were massacred.  He held the book with the Gospels to his chest to the last.  He was over the age of 70 at the time.