Gospel in Art: Saint Boniface, Bishop, Martyr

Saint Boniface Felling Donar's Oak, by Johann Michael Wittmer, 1860 © Lempertz Cologne

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 5 June 2025
John 17:20-26

At that time: Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven, and praying said, '[Holy Father,] I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

'Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.'

Reflection on the painting

Saint Boniface, born around 675 in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex, was originally named Winfrid. A Benedictine monk and scholar, he felt a strong calling to missionary work and travelled to the continent to evangelise the Germanic peoples. He was commissioned by Pope Gregory II in 719, who gave him the name Boniface, meaning "doer (facere) of good (bonus)". Over the years, Boniface became a key figure in the Christianisation of what is now Germany, founding monasteries, reforming the local Church, and working closely with the Frankish rulers. He was eventually made Archbishop of Mainzand and became known as the "Apostle of the Germans". His mission was marked by both zeal and diplomacy, as he worked to bring the Gospel to deeply pagan regions while also strengthening the structure of the Church in Europe.

One of the most famous episodes in his life is the felling of Donar's Oak (also the title of our painting), also known as Thor's Oak, near the town of Geismar in modern-day Hesse. This sacred tree was revered by the local Germanic tribes as dedicated to the god Thor (or Donar). To demonstrate the powerlessness of the pagan gods and the truth of Christianity, Boniface boldly took an axe and, in front of a gathered crowd, began cutting down the oak. According to tradition, as he struck the tree, a sudden wind blew it down entirely, stunning the onlookers who expected Thor to retaliate. Instead of punishment, they witnessed Boniface unharmed, which led many to convert to Christianity on the spot. The wood from the tree was then used to build a church dedicated to Saint Peter, symbolising the triumph of Christian faith over pagan superstition. we see the tree to the left of Boniface in our painting.

In his later years, Saint Boniface continued his missionary efforts, journeying to Frisia (part of modern-day Netherlands), where he hoped to strengthen the young Church. On 5 June 754, while preparing to confirm new converts near Dokkum, he and his companions were ambushed and killed by a group of pagan raiders. He famously told his fellow clergy not to resist, embracing martyrdom with peace and dignity. His body was eventually brought back to Fulda, where a great monastery he had founded became the centre of devotion. Saint Boniface's legacy remains foundational to the Christian history of Europe; an Englishman who became a saint, bishop, and martyr in the heart of the continent.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-17-20-26-2025-2/ (with audio)