Plechelm
Plechelm is honored in the Catholic and Old Catholic Churches as a patron saint of the Netherlands. An English Saxon, he undertook a pilgrimage to Rome and was consecrated a bishop before embarking on a mission to Gaul with Saints Wiro and Otger. He is remembered for his role in the Christianization of the Netherlands, particularly through the monastery he helped found at St. Peter's Mount.
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- Netherlands
Key Facts
- ›Plechelm was an English Saxon born in southern Scotland or northern England.
- ›He made a pilgrimage to Rome with Saints Wiro and Otger and was consecrated a bishop.
- ›He returned with holy relics and, with Wiro and Otger, began a mission to Gaul.
- ›They were granted St. Peter's Mount by Pepin of Herstal, where they built a monastery crucial for the Christianization of the Netherlands.
- ›Plechelm died in Sint Odiliënberg at the age of 100 years.
- ›His relics were moved to Utrecht following a Norman invasion and later transferred to Oldenzaal.
Plechelm of Guelderland, Pleghelm, Plechelmus
Netherlands
About Plechelm
Plechelm of Guelderland
Saint Plechelm, also known by variations such as Pleghelm or Plechelmus, is a significant figure honored in both the Catholic Church and the Old Catholic Church as a patron saint of the Netherlands. His life and work were instrumental in the early Christianization of the region.
Life and Mission
According to historical accounts, Plechelm was an English Saxon, with his birthplace cited as southern Scotland by Alban Butler and the north of England by Richard Stanton. After his ordination, he embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome with two fellow monks, Saints Wiro and Otger. Upon being consecrated a bishop, potentially by Pope Sergius I, Plechelm returned to his homeland with sacred relics. He then joined Wiro and the deacon Otger in a missionary endeavor to Gaul. They received a favorable reception from Pepin of Herstal, who granted them St. Peter's Mount, also known as Sint Odiliënberg. It was here that they established a monastery which played a crucial role in spreading Christianity throughout the Netherlands, initiating numerous missions to the areas between the Rhine and the Meuse rivers.
Veneration and Legacy
Plechelm was deeply venerated at Sint Odiliënberg and Ruramonde. During the latter half of the ninth century, following a Norman invasion, the relics of Wiro, Plechelm, and Otger were relocated to Utrecht. Plechelm received formal canonization by Pope Agapetus II around the year 950. In 954, Bishop Balderic of Utrecht oversaw the transfer of Plechelm's relics to the Basilica of St. Plechelm in Oldenzaal, a church he had commissioned to enshrine the saint's remains. Plechelm is recorded to have died at Sint Odiliënberg at the considerable age of 100 years.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Plechelm?
Plechelm was an English Saxon who became a bishop and missionary. He is honored in the Catholic Church and the Old Catholic Church as a patron saint of the Netherlands. He is known for his role in the Christianization of the region.
Where did Plechelm carry out his missionary work?
After being ordained and making a pilgrimage to Rome, Plechelm, along with Saints Wiro and Otger, embarked on a mission to Gaul. They were granted St. Peter's Mount, which became the site of a monastery important for the Christianization of the Netherlands.
When did Plechelm live and die?
Plechelm died in the year 730. According to tradition, he lived to be 100 years old. His period of greatest activity falls within the 8th century.
Where is Plechelm venerated?
Plechelm is venerated in both the Catholic Church and the Old Catholic Church. He is particularly honored in the Netherlands, with his relics having been moved and enshrined in places like Utrecht and Oldenzaal.
Related Saints
Pontianus of Spoleto
Pontianus of Spoleto was a second-century Christian martyr, beheaded on January 14, 175, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He is venerated by the Catholic, Old Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox Churches and is invoked in Spoleto for protection against earthquakes. He is also the patron saint of the Frisian village Marssum and historically co-patron of the diocese of Utrecht.
Willibrord
Willibrord was an Anglo-Saxon monk, bishop, and missionary, renowned as the "Apostle to the Frisians." He became the first Bishop of Utrecht and founded the Abbey of Echternach. His missionary work in the Netherlands and Luxembourg established Christianity in the region.
Alberic of Utrecht
Saint Alberic of Utrecht was a Benedictine monk and Bishop of Utrecht who succeeded his uncle, Saint Gregory of Utrecht. He is remembered for his efforts to deepen the faith of his flock, his success in missionizing among pagan Teutons, and the reorganization of the school of Utrecht.