From: rich <
richarra@gmail.com>
November 12th - St. Lebwin, Patron of Daventer, Confessor
THIS saint was by birth an English Saxon, and in his own language was
called Liafwin. From his infancy he was a child of grace, a lover of retirement, an enemy to the pleasures of the world, and much given to
prayer, watching, the mortification of the senses, and to all works of
mercy. By praying fervently for the divine wisdom he deserved to be
abundantly replenished with it. And having once been at the expense of
laying the foundation of solid virtue, which always costs dear to
flesh and blood in the destruction of the old man, he saw the
spiritual edifice rise in his heart with joy; yet always laboured to
perfect it with fear and trembling. He was amiable and venerable to
all: and something divine seemed to shine in his countenance.
Being promoted to priest's orders, that he might employ his talent =
for
the salvation of souls, he went over into Lower Germany, where several apostolic missionaries were employed in planting the gospel. He
addressed himself to St. Gregory, whom St. Boniface had appointed his
vicar at Utrecht, for the administration of that diocese. This holy
man received him with great joy, and sent him with Marcellin or
Marchlem, who had been from his childhood a disciple of St.
Willibrord, to carry the light of the gospel into the country which is
now called Over-Yssel. St. Lebwin was received as an angel from heaven
by a lady named Abachilde, and many being converted, the man of God
built a chapel on the west bank of the river at Hiulpe, now called
Wulpe, about a league from Daventer, about the year 772. But many shut
their ears to the truth, from whom the saint had much to suffer; but
he seemed to gather greater courage from persecutions, and feared no
danger in so great a cause.
=C2 The Saxons who inhabited the neighbouring country held a yearly
assembly at Marklo, upon the river Weser, to deliberate on the public
affairs of their nation. They were divided into 3 ranks or classes;
the Edlinges or noblemen, the Frilinges or yeomen, and the servile
tribe. Out of every rank 12 men were chosen from each village to meet
at this great council. St. Lebwin repaired thither, and, clothed in
his priestly ornaments, entered the assembly, holding a cross before
his breast in his right hand, and having a book of the gospels under
his other arm. Whilst the multitude were intent upon their
superstitious sacrifices, with a countenance full of dignity and
majesty, he cried out to them with a loud voice, saying:
=C2 =E2=80=9CHear me, all of you: listen to me, or rather to God who spea=
ks to
you by my mouth. Know that the Lord, the Maker of the heavens, the
earth, and all things, is one only true God.=E2=80=9D
He went on affirming that he came an ambassador from God, to make him
known to them, foretelling that if they refused to hear his voice,
they should be speedily destroyed by a prince, whom God in his
indignation would raise up against them. Whilst he spoke, many of the
Saxons ran to the hedges, plucked up stakes and sharpened them in
order to murder him: but the saint, protected by God, passed through
the midst of them, and escaped. Then an honourable person amongst them
stood up, and said, they had often received with humanity and respect ambassadors from men; much more ought they to honour an ambassador
from God, who will punish an affront offered to him. Whereupon it was
agreed, that the messenger of God should be permitted to travel and
preach where he pleased: of which liberty he made good use.
But afterwards, when the Saxons waged war against Charlemagne, they
persecuted the Christians; and a troop making an inroad as far as
Daventer, burned the church which our saint had erected there. After
their departure he rebuilt it, and, being denied the more compendious
sacrifice of himself, finished his martyrdom by labours and
austerities before the close of the 8th century: and was buried in his
church at Daventer, where his relics have been famous for miracles.
Bertulf, the 20th bishop of Utrecht, founded there a collegiate church
of canons, of which St. Lebwin is titular saint.
See his life authentically written by Hucbald, monk of Elnon or St.
Amand's, in the reign of Charles the Bald; also St. Radbod'=
s, bishop
of Utrecht, Eclogue in his praise, and Altfrid in the life of St.
Ludger. Pagi, Crit. t. 3, p. 336. Mabill. Annal. Ben. t. 2, and
Batavia Sacra, p. 39.
Saint Quote:
There is no error so fatal in its consequences as the loss of eternal salvation. Other errors may be repaired; if a person lose a situation,
he may perhaps in time regain it; if he lose his goods, he may replace
them, but if he lose his soul, he has no remedy nor hope of
redemption. He can die but once; and if that once his soul be lost, it
must be lost forever, and no power can save it for all eternity
..--St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
Bible Quote:
"As much as she hath glorified herself, and lived in
delicacies, so much torment and sorrow give ye to her.=C2 [Apocalypse 18=
:7]
<><><><>
=C2 =C2 "Father in heaven, you have given me a mind to know you, a wil=
l to
serve you, and a heart to love you. Give me today the grace and
strength to embrace your holy will and fill my heart with your love
that all my intentions and actions may be pleasing to you. Help me to
be kind and forgiving towards my neighbor as you have been towards
me".
--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)