Lebuinus

Lebuinus was a missionary and saint who played a significant role in the Christianization of Saxony in the 8th century. Born in England around 700 AD, he received his education at the monastery of Wimborne in Dorset. Around the year 740, Lebuinus felt called to evangelize the pagan Saxons, a Germanic people who were resistant to Christian conversion.

He traveled to the continent and, with the support of Charles Martel, began his mission. Lebuinus established a base for his work near the river Weser, in an area that would later become known as Fritzlar. His efforts were met with considerable opposition from the Saxons, who often viewed Christianity as a foreign imposition associated with Frankish expansion. Despite facing persecution and threats, Lebuinus persevered, preaching and establishing small Christian communities. He is credited with founding the monastery at Fritzlar, which became an important center for missionary activity. His dedication and eventual success in converting some of the Saxon tribes contributed to the broader Christianization of the region under the Carolingian Empire. Lebuinus died in Fritzlar around 770 AD. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, with his feast day celebrated on October 25th.