Wulfram of Sens
Wulfram of Sens was an influential Archbishop of Sens known for his missionary work in Friesland, where he is credited with converting the son of King Radbod and saving children from sacrifice. He later retired to Fontenelle Abbey, where he died and was venerated for his miracles.
- Feast Day
- March 20
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Wulfram was born in the diocese of Meaux, to a knight named Fulbert.
- ›He was elected Archbishop of Sens in 692, attending an assembly of bishops in 693.
- ›In 695, he resigned his archbishopric and retired to Fontenelle Abbey.
- ›He is said to have undertaken missionary work in Friesland, intervening to save children from drowning and a man named Ovon from sacrifice.
- ›Wulfram died on March 20, 703, and his feast day is celebrated on this date.
- ›His body was moved multiple times, eventually to the collegiate church of our Lady in Abbeville.
Wulfram of Fontenelle, Vuilfran, Wulfrann, Wolfran, Wulframnus, Vulfran, Vulphran
Protection Against the Dangers of the Sea
Baptizing A King Or Royal Son, Arriving By Ship
About Wulfram of Sens
Wulfram of Sens, also known as Wulfram of Fontenelle, was an important figure in the 7th and 8th centuries, serving as the Archbishop of Sens. His life, though subject to some uncertainty regarding precise dates, is recorded in hagiographical accounts, most notably by the monk Jonas of Fontenelle.
Life and Ministry
Born around 640 in the diocese of Meaux, Wulfram was the son of Fulbert, a knight at the court of Dagobert I. He received his education at the court of Clovis II and later Theodoric III, eventually being elected Archbishop of Sens in 692. However, he resigned this post in 695 to retire to the Benedictine abbey known as "Fontenelle," likely located at St-Wandrille.
Wulfram is particularly noted for his missionary endeavors in Friesland. According to tradition, he stepped in to evangelize the region, even attempting to convert King Radbod. A significant event recounted is Wulfram's intervention to save children from being sacrificed to pagan gods, wading into the sea to rescue them. He also played a role in the conversion of Ovon, who was chosen for sacrifice but miraculously survived after Wulfram prayed for him, subsequently becoming Wulfram's follower and a monk.
Veneration and Legacy
Wulfram died in 703 at Fontenelle Abbey. His feast day is observed on March 20. Following his death, his body was re-buried multiple times, eventually being translated to the collegiate church of Our Lady in Abbeville in 1058, which was then rededicated in his name. His arm was also taken as a relic to Croyland Abbey in Lincolnshire.
Artistic depictions of Wulfram often show him baptizing a young king or the son of King Radbod, sometimes arriving by ship with monks. He is venerated as a patron saint who protects against the dangers of the sea. Several churches are dedicated to him, including two in England and two in France, attesting to his enduring devotion.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wulfram of Sens born and when did he die?
Wulfram of Sens was born around 640 and died on March 20, 703. However, there is little consensus on the precise dates of events during his life and after his death.
What is Wulfram of Sens best known for?
He is best known for his missionary work in Friesland, where he is said to have converted the son of King Radbod and saved children from sacrifice. He is also venerated for various miracles.
Where did Wulfram of Sens serve as Archbishop?
Wulfram served as the Archbishop of Sens. He was elected to this position in 692 and resigned in 695.
What happened to Wulfram's body after his death?
After his death at Fontenelle Abbey, Wulfram was buried there. His body was moved in 704 to the main church, then again in 1058 to the collegiate church of Our Lady in Abbeville, which was re-dedicated in his name.
What are some of Wulfram's patronages?
As a patron saint, Wulfram is invoked to protect against the dangers of the sea. He is also associated with miracles related to childbirth and children.
Related Saints
Cuthbert
Cuthbert was a prominent saint of the early Northumbrian church, known for his ascetic life as a monk, bishop, and hermit. He is particularly remembered for his popularity as a medieval saint in Northern England, with a cult centered on his tomb at Durham Cathedral, and is regarded as the patron saint of Northumbria.
Nicasius of Die
Nicasius of Die was a 4th-century bishop from Gaul, notable for being one of only five Catholic bishops from the Western Roman Empire to attend the First Council of Nicaea in 325. He is venerated as a Saint in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
John of Nepomuk
John of Nepomuk was a Bohemian clergyman martyred in 1393 due to his loyalty to Archbishop Jan of Jenštejn in a dispute with King Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia. A cult grew around his life and death, leading to his canonization in 1729. He is remembered as a martyr of the Seal of the Confessional and a patron against calumnies, floods, and drowning.