Saint Boniface, Pray for us!

Readings: 1^st: Heb 10:12-23; Ps: 39; Gos: Lk 22:14-20

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today, the church celebrates the memorial of saint Boniface, bishop and martyr. He was born in England. Saint Boniface belonged to the Benedictine Order. He was of the monastic apostolate in the Middle Ages.  

He worked in Germany, where he did a tremendous work of evangelization among the indigenes. Due to his great work and testimony, he earned the title: “Apostle of Germany.” Until today, he is honored as the father of the German Catholic faith.

In the midst of many difficulties and trials, Boniface remained a man of deep prayer, and exhibited a profound spiritual life which sustained him through moments of trials and difficulties in his mission.

In 754, and at the age of 74, Boniface was attacked and killed by a band of pagans when he was about to administer confirmation to a group of neophytes.

As we honor this great saint and pillar of the church today, in our first reading from his second letter to Timothy, Paul reminds us of a very important fact of our Christian life and journey: “In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

This was the same path that Boniface walked until he met his death. It was not an easy journey. However, he remained faithful to Christ and his mission. As a faithful servant, he preached the good news both with words and action.

In our time, we too face much difficulties while trying to live religiously in Christ. It not an easy task, but Christ always comforts us through the power of his spirit.

So, let us ask God, to help us remain faithful to him as Saint Boniface did, even in the midst of much suffering that we experience today while trying to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.

Saint Boniface, Pray for us!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!