The feast day of our patron, Saint Willebrord (common spelling in Europe is “Willibrord”), gives us cause to reflect upon his influence for us today. Biographies tell us that his father Wilgils (we do not know his mother’s name) gave him a helpful start by being a fine example of the Christian life. Thus, Willebrord became a man of faith, who trusted in God’s grace, and who made choices to serve God the best way possible for him. All of us can find inspiration in such an example.

Secondly, everything that I have read about our Father Willebrord is that before all else, he was a monk. As such, he would have lived a simple life, dedicated to prayer and holiness. He lived a life of simplicity, even when he became a bishop. Again, in the midst of a world of consumption and greed, we do well to find and follow those who found peace by living a simple life.

Thirdly, while monks usually stayed close to their home abbeys, Willebrord was quite creative. He evaluated the signs of his times, responded to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. He became a “pilgrim preacher,” a “missionary monk.” He was on the move from his birthplace in east central England to Ireland to the European mainland in Frisia in modern day Netherlands. There he converted many people to Christianity. He also traveled to Luxemburg and founded an abbey in Echternach. He continued his missionary activity, but made his last home at the Abbey in Echternach, where he eventually died in 739 at the age of 81. He is entombed at the abbey. For our part, we ask for St. Willebrord’s intercession. We invite him to pray that we may recognize the signs of our times and respond with creativity and faith to vocations that will require extraordinary decisions and efforts on our part.

Willebrord developed an esteemed reputation in his missionary work among the people of Frisia. In addition, his influence was well known in Belgium and Luxemburg. He is known as the patron saint of Be-ne-lux (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxemburg). He converted many people to the Christian faith. He repurposed many former pagan sites to Christian ritual use. Jesus, the Christ, became the central figure in this part of the Netherlands. This “Apostle to the Dutch” was eventually ordained Archbishop by Pope Sergius II and established a diocesan seat at Utrecht in the southwestern part of Frisia. He is the founding and first archbishop of the Diocese of Utrecht, which still exists today.

In his 81 years of life, Willebrord proved to be a good son, a student, a man of faith and prayer, a monk, a missionary, a bishop, and a brother in faith to many others. St. Willebrord, pray for us!

Peace, Fr. Andy