September 6
Saint Magnus of Füssen
Abbot, Missionary, “Apostle of the Allgäu”
(Unknown – Around 666)
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Saint Magnus of Füssen
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or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
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Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
There is almost no reliable information on Magnus’ birth date and location. Magnus, also known as Mang, is thought to have been born around the 6th or 7th century. The only source of information on Magnus is an old “Vita St. Magni”, which was said to have been written by Theodore, a companion of Magnus.
Monk
According to his Vita, two Irish missionaries, Saint Columbanus and Saint Gall, spent some time with Willimar, a priest at Arbon (part of modern Switzerland). There, Saint Gall fell sick and was put in charge of Magnus and Theodore, two clerics living with Willimar. So, Magnus was a spiritual student of Saint Columban and Saint Gall and worshipped at Arbon.
Returns with St Columbanus’ Staff
Eventually, Saint Columbanus proceeded to Italy and founded Bobbio Abbey. After Saint Gall found out about the death of Saint Columbanus, he sent Magnus to pray at his grave at the Bobbio Abbey near Piacenza, Italy. Magnus went and returned with the staff of Saint Columbanus. Magnus went and returned with Saint Columbanus’s staff, which on his deathbed Saint Columbanus had instructed Magnus to give to Saint Gall as a gesture of reconciliation in the quarrel which a few years before had separated them. After that, they followed his rule. After the death of Saint Gall, Magnus succeeded him as superior of the cell.
Evangelized in Allgäu
About this time a priest of the Diocese of Augsburg, named Tozzo, came as a pilgrim to the grave of Saint Gall and invited Magnus to accompany him to the eastern part of Allgäu. Magnus proceeded to Eptaticus (Epfach), where Bishop Wichbert of Augsburg received him. At the request of the bishop of Augsberg, Bavaria, he preached and evangelized in the pagan peoples of Eptaticus in the eastern part of Allgäu, Bavaria. He penetrated into the wilderness. Then, crossed the River Lech at a place which is still known as St. Mangstritt (footstep of St. Magnus) and built a cell, where afterwards the monastery of Füssen was erected.
Legend
At first, Magnus worked with Theodore in Kempten, where he met snakes and drove them away with Saint Columbanus’s abbot staff and killed their leader, a large boa. While Theodore remained in Kempten, Magnus worked on the upper Lech. In 746, Magnus built a prayer house in Waltenhofen near Schwangau. Then, he founded a cell and oratory at Füssen from which a monastic community grew.
At Füssen, Magnus was forced to overpower a dragon that wanted to block his way from the land he needed for this cell and future monastery. In one version of the story, he spared an infant dragon who helped local farmers by hunting rats, mice and other crop-damaging vermin. He also fought
While on a walk in the woods near the monastery, he encountered a bear who showed him a vein of iron ore. So, Magnus gave the bear some cake. The bear followed Magnus back to the abbey where Magnus rounded up some tools and monks. Then, the bear led them all to several other iron ore sources in the nearby mountains, thus helping found the area’s most lucrative industry.
Founding St Mang’s Abbey
Magnus’ most enduring legacy is the establishment of Saint Mang’s Abbey in Füssen, built on the site of his original cell. The abbey became a spiritual and cultural hub, fostering Christian education and community development. Magnus served as its first abbot, guiding monks in prayer, work, and missionary outreach. His leadership helped integrate Christianity into the Allgäu, converting many pagans and strengthening the Church’s presence in Bavaria.
His Death
Around 666, Magnus died at the monastery in Füssen, Bavaria (in modern Germany). Magnus was buried in the church he had constructed. In 851, he was reburied in the newly erected church. One of his bones was sent to St. Gallen in Switzerland. Around the year 1100 all his bones were found to be missing. The burial place can be seen in the crypt of St. Mang Basilica, Füssen. A tiny splinter of the breast bone was sent from St. Gallen to Füssen and this is now located in a large glass cross hanging above the main altar. It also contains his staff, cross and chalice.
Born: Unknown date and location
Died: Around 666 (Feast Day – Sep 6) in Füssen, Bavaria (now Germany)
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: September 6
Patron Saint: Against Hailstorms; Against Lightning; Against Snakes; Against Vermin; Protection Of Crops; Füssen, Germany
Reflection
Saint Magnus of Füssen was a missionary monk believed to have lived during the 8th century in what is now southern Germany. According to tradition, he was a disciple of Saint Gall and dedicated his life to spreading Christianity throughout the Alpine regions of Germany. Magnus traveled through forests and mountain villages. He preached the Gospel, helped the poor, and built Christian communities among people who had little knowledge of the faith.
Saint Magnus eventually settled in the area of Füssen in Bavaria (Germany), where he founded a monastery that later became the famous Abbey of Saint Mang. He was known for his deep prayer life, humility, and courage. Many stories about him describe miracles, including protecting people from dangers. Legends also tell of him battling dragons, bears, and cockchafers or grubs, which is why he was considered the patron saint against vermin..
After his death, Saint Magnus became greatly honored throughout the region for his holiness and missionary work. He is remembered as the Apostle of Allgäu and is especially respected in Germany and Switzerland. His life continues to inspire Christians to live with faith and dedication to serving others while sharing God’s love. His example encourages us to stay close to God and live with courage each day.
While we may not be in an hostile pagan land, we can be instruments of peace and kindness in our communities providing the light of Christ to others.
Prayers
Saint Magnus of Füssen,
You were a courageous missionary as the “Apostle of the Allgäu”, building a monastery in Füssen, Germany.
Help us to live with compassion and trust in God in all that we do.
Teach us to serve others with kindness and to share God’s love through our words and actions.
May we bring hope and peace to those around us, just as you did.
Saint Magnus of Füssen, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
All Saints & Martyrs – Saint Magnus of Füssen
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 6 September – St Magnus of Füssen
Catholic Ireland – Sep 7 – St Magnus of Füssen (died c. 722) monk and missionary
Catholic Online – St. Magnus of Füssen
CatholicSaints.Info – Book of Saints – Magnus – 6 September – by Monks of Ramsgate
Diocese of Orange Jose Filipino Ministry – Saint Magnus of Füssen
Video Link
The Apostle of the Allgäu | St. Magnus of Füssen (Sept 6) – YouTube (Catholic Voices & Prayers)