February 25
Saint Walburga
Nun, Abbess, Missionary
(Around 710 – 779)
“Do not fear, the hounds will not hurt Walburge.”
Saint Wlaburga’s response outside of a castle when told that hungry savage wolf-hounds would tear her down during her evening visit
Coming November 1, 2024 on Amazon
Saint’s Life Story
Her Early Life
Walburga (also known as Walbugre or Walburpa) was born in Devonshire, Wessex, England around 710 to a local aristocratic family. Her father, was Saint Richard the King. Her mother was Winna , who was the sister of Saint Boniface. She had two brothers, Saint Willibald of Eichstätt and Saint Winibald. At the Wimborne Abbey in Dorset, England, Walburga was a student of Saint Tatta. When her father set out for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with his sons, he entrusted 11-year-old Walburga to be the abbess of Wimborne. She was educated by the nuns at the monastery school at Wimborne. Later, Walburga became a nun there, remaining with the community for twenty-six years.
Evangelist in Germany
When Saint Boniface requested nuns to help him in the evangelization of pagan Germany, Walburga responded to that call. On the way to Germany, there was a terrible storm at sea. She knelt on the deck of the ship and prayed. The sea immediately became calm. The sailors who witnessed this spread the word that she was a miracle worker, so she was received in Germany with great respect.
Abbess at Heidenheim and Author
Beginning in 748, Walburga evangelized and healed pagans in what is now Germany with Saint Lioba, Saint Boniface, and her brothers. This mission was very successful. Initially, Walburga lived at Bischofsheim, under the rule of Saint Lioba. Then, she was made abbess at the Heidenheim monastery, close to where her brother, Winibald served as an abbot over at the men’s monastery. After his death, Walburga ruled both monasteries as superintendent. In the course of her ministry, she worked many miracles. Because of her rigorous training, she was able to write her brother Winibald’s vita and an account in Latin of his travels in Palestine. As a result, she is often called the first female author of both England and Germany.
Transferred Her Brother’s Relics Before Her Death
On September 23, 776, Walburga assisted Willibald in translating the uncorrupt relics of their brother, Saint Winibald, to a new tomb in the church at Heidenheim. Shortly after this, she became ill. Saint Willibald cared for Walburga until she died on February 25, 777, at the Heidenheim, Swabia, Germany. Then he placed Walburga next to Saint Winibald in the tomb.
After Her Death
After Saint Willibald’s death in 786, people gradually forgot Saint Walburga and the church fell into disrepair. In 870, Bishop Oktar was having Heidenheim restored when some workmen desecrated Walburga’s grave. She appeared in a dream to the bishop, who then translated her relics to Eichstätt.
St. Walburga’s Oil
In 893, Saint Walburga’s body was found to be immersed in a mysterious sweet-smelling liquid. It was found to work miraculous healings. The liquid, called St. Walburga’s oil, has flowed from her body, ever since, except for a brief period when the church was put under the interdict after robbers shed the blood of a bell-ringer in the church. Portions of Saint Walburga’s relics have taken to several other cities and her oil to all parts of the world.
Walpurgisnacht
The night of May 1st, the date of the translation of Walburga’s relics to Eichstätt in 870, is known as Walpurgisnacht; it is also a pagan festival marking the beginning of summer and the revels of witches. Though the saint had no connection with this festival, her name became associated with witchcraft and country superstitions because of the date. It is possible that the protection of crops ascribed to her, represented by three ears of corn in her icons, may have been transferred to her from Mother Earth and the connection to this pagan holiday.
Born: Around 710 in Devonshire, Wessex, England
Died: February 25, 779 (Feast Day) in Heidenheim, Swabia, Germany
Beatified: Not Known
Canonized: 870 by Pope Adrian II
Feast Day: February 25
Sources:
Reflection
Saint Walburga, you were one of the first women called as a woman missionary to evangelize and heal pagans. Your strong faith combined with prayer calmed seas in your crossing from England to Germany. Your educational skills allowed you to write about your brother St. Winibald’s life and an account in Latin of your other brother, St. Willibald’s travels in Palestine. Thus, you are looked upon by many as the first female author of England and Germany. After your brother’s death, you uniquely ruled as abbess over both monasteries – probably another first. No task was too big for you to do to shine God’s glory for all to see.
What is a “first” that you can do today to shine forth God’s glory for all to see? Remember that your “first” could be a simple act of kindness to someone you have met for the first time. Pray to God to give you the grace, strength and wisdom to do great things for God’s glory for all to see.
Prayers
Saint Walburga,
You dedicated your life to prayer, healing, and spreading the Gospel as one of the first female missionaries, intercede for us with your gentle and compassionate heart.
Guide us to follow your example of devotion and humility so we, like you were, can also be a beacon of light to the faithful.
Help us to seek God in all things and to bring His love and peace to those in need.
Through your prayers, may we be healed in body, mind, and soul, as you brought comfort and healing to many in your time.
Grant us the grace to live lives of charity and service, helping those who still have to struggle amid the stormy sea of life so that they can trust in God’s providence with unwavering faith.
Saint Links
A Dictionary Of Saintly Women, Volume 2 by Agnes B. C. Dunbar – St. Walburga
Abbey of St. Walburga – St. Walburga: Our Patroness
Aleteia – These miraculous oils continue to bring healing
All Saints & Martyrs – Saint Walburga
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 25 February – St Walburga (c 710-779)
A Reason2BeCatholic – Saints Alive! | St. Walburga
Catholic Fire – St. Walburga: Missionary, Benedictine Nun, and First Woman Author in England and Germany
Catholic Ireland – Feb 25 – St Walburga (d. 779)
Catholic Online – St. Walburga
Catholic Saints.Info – A Life of Saint Walburge, by Father Thomas Meyrick, SJ
CatholicSaints.Info – Saint Walburga
Melanie Rigney – Walburga
New Advent – Casanova, G. (1912). St. Walburga. In The Catholic Encyclopedia
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Walburga, Virgin
Saint for a Minute – Saint Walburga
St. Walburg Abbey (Abtei St. Walburg) – Life and work of St. Walburga
Wikipedia – Saint Walpurga