Wihtberht
Wihtberht was an Anglo-Saxon Benedictine monk and missionary who served as a disciple of Boniface. He is known for his missionary work in Frisia and Germany, as well as for his monastic leadership and teaching. Wihtberht is remembered for his prophecies and miracles, and his feast day is celebrated in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
- Feast Day
- August 13
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- Germany
Key Facts
- ›Wihtberht was born in Wessex around 675 and died on August 13, 747.
- ›He studied at Rath Melsigi in Ireland around 664.
- ›Wihtberht undertook a mission to Frisia around 680 but was unsuccessful due to opposition from the ruler Redbad.
- ›He was called by Boniface to Germany to become the abbot of a Benedictine monastery in Fritzlar.
- ›Later, Boniface transferred him to Thuringia as Abbot of Ohrdruf, where he established a school for missionaries.
- ›His body was later interred in a gold and silver shrine in Hersfeld Abbey.
Wigbert
Bad Hersfeld
About Wihtberht
Wihtberht (c. 675 – 747)
Wihtberht, also known by the name Wigbert, was an English Benedictine monk, missionary, and abbot who lived from approximately 675 to 747 AD. Born in Wessex, he embraced monastic life and became a significant figure in the early Christianization of parts of Europe, particularly Frisia and Germany. His life and work are primarily documented through the writings of historical figures like Bede and Alcuin, as well as in hagiographical texts such as the Secgan Hagiography.
Life and Ministry
Wihtberht's early monastic life is believed to have begun in England, though specific details are scarce, with suggestions of a connection to Glastonbury Abbey being considered improbable by some scholars. A pivotal point in his missionary career came when he studied at Rath Melsigi in Ireland around 664. It was there that Ecgberht of Ripon, who had also sought refuge from plague in Ireland, was dissuaded from undertaking a mission to Frisia himself and instead sent Wihtberht. Around 680, Wihtberht traveled to Frisia, spending two years there. However, his efforts were met with opposition from Redbad, the King of the Frisians, rendering his mission unsuccessful, and he returned.
His missionary endeavors later took him to Germany, where he became a key associate of Boniface, the "Apostle to the Germans." Following Boniface's felling of Thor's Oak near Fritzlar in 723 and the subsequent establishment of a Benedictine monastery there in 724, Boniface summoned Wihtberht from England to serve as its abbot. Wihtberht, who was notably older than Boniface, went to Germany around 734. He was later appointed abbot of the monastery of Hersfeld in Hesse, where the school under his leadership gained renown, counting Sturmi, the first Abbot of Fulda, among its pupils. Around 737, Boniface transferred him to Thuringia to become the Abbot of Ohrdruf, where he established a school dedicated to training missionaries for the region.
Character and Legacy
Wihtberht was characterized as an anchorite and hermit, recognized for his missionary zeal, perceived miracles, and prophetic abilities. Alcuin described him as venerable and outstanding in his religious practice, while Bede admired his detachment from worldly concerns and his learning. His reputation among the Irish was such that he was celebrated in the ninth-century Irish martyrology, Félire Óengusso.
Wihtberht died in 747 and was initially buried in Fritzlar. Later, his former student Lullus had most of his remains transferred to a gold and silver shrine in Hersfeld Abbey, though some relics remained in Fritzlar. Wihtberht is recognized as the patron saint of the town of Bad Hersfeld. His feast day is observed on August 13th. The ecumenical Benedictine monastery, the Priory of St Wigbert (Priorat Sankt Wigberti) in Werningshausen, Germany, stands as a testament to his enduring spiritual influence.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wihtberht born and when did he die?
Wihtberht was born in Wessex around 675 and died on August 13, 747.
Where did Wihtberht undertake his missionary work?
Wihtberht travelled with Boniface in Frisia and northern and central Germany to convert local tribes to Christianity. He also worked mainly in Ireland.
What was Wihtberht's role in the monastery at Fritzlar?
Boniface called Wihtberht from England to become the abbot of the Benedictine monastery established in Fritzlar in 724.
What is Wihtberht known for besides his missionary work?
He was also known at times as an anchorite and hermit, and is recognized for his prophecies and miracles. Bede admired his contempt of this world and his learning, while Alcuin described him as venerable and outstanding in his religious practice.
When are the feast days for Wihtberht?
His feast day is August 13th in the Roman Catholic Church and on April 12th in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
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