Saint Boniface of Ross

His life:

+ Boniface (who is also known as Curitan) was most likely born in Rome. He was thought to be the Bishop of Ross (also known as Kyrin or Kyrstin) in Britain.

+ While we know little about his life, he is remembered for his missionary work among the Picts and Scots.

+ Boniface introduced the Roman liturgy among the peoples he served (including the calendar of the Roman Church, most important the calculation of the date of Easter), as well as helping to reform the monasteries in the region. These monks would go on to become missionaries in their own right.

+ Before his death around the year 660, Boniface built many churches in the British Isles, leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of the English Christianity.

For reflection:

He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.”—Mark 16:15

Spiritual bonus:

On this day, the Church also remembers Blessed Eva of Liege. A friend and collaborator of Blessed Juliana of Mont Cornillon, Eva continued her friend’s efforts to introduce a special feast honoring the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Thanks to their efforts the Feast of Corpus Christi was approved by Pope Urban IV in 1264. Blessed Eva died in Liege, Belgium, in 1265, and was beatified in 1902.

Prayer

O God, who gave increase to your Church through the zeal for religion and apostolic labors of blessed Boniface, grant, through his intercession, that she may always receive new growth in faith and in holiness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(rom The Roman Missal: Common of Pastors—For Missionaries)