Saint Willibrord

I was born in northeast England in 658. My father entered a monastery and by the age of 20 I too was wearing the religious habit. I went to Ireland to seek perfection under the instructions of Saint Egbert. When I was 30 years old, I was sent out to preach the faith in Frisia, in what today is The Netherlands. I went to Rome to ask for the benediction of the Pope. At my second visit to Rome, the Pope ordained me bishop of Utrecht, where I established my residence, built a church and founded schools. To find rest from my missionary work, I founded the abbey of Echternach in Luxembourg. I also preached in Denmark, while a cruel king was at reign. I was a bishop for more than fifty years and I died after a long life of living and sharing the Gospel.