Saint Burchard of Würzburg

Also known as

• Burchardus
• Burkard
• Burkhard

Memorial

• 2 February (Roman Martyrology)
• 14 October (translation of relics; Diocese of Würzburg, Germany

Profile

Born wealthy, he felt early called to the Church and working with the poor. Inspired by Saint Boniface, he became a missionary in the area of modern Germany. First bishop of Würzburg, Franconia, consecrated by Saint Boniface in 741 and confirmed by Pope Saint Zachary in 743. Under his ministry all of Franconia converted, and several monasteries were founded by and for his people. Promoted devotion to Saint Killian who had previously worked in the region. A favourite of King Pepin the Short. Burchard led the party that sought Pope Zachary‘s decision on who should be the king of the Franks. Resigned his bishopric in 752, and spent the rest of his days in solitude and prayer.

Born

• in England

Died

• 754 in Germany of natural causes
• buried at Mount Saint Mary or Old Würzburg
• relics transferred in 983 to the monastery of Saint Andrew in Würzburg, Germany
• the monastery has since been renamed in hounour of Burchard

Canonized

• Pre-Congregation

Patronage

• Würzburg, Germany

Additional Information

• Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
• Catholic Encyclopedia
• Die älteste Lebensbeschreibung des heiligen Burkard, by Klaus Wittstadt
• Kirken i Norge
• Medieval Religion Listserv, by John Dillon
• New Catholic Dictionary
• Sankt Burkard Abbey
• Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints

MLA Citation

• “Saint Burchard of Würzburg“. Saints.SQPN.com. 2 March 2013. Web. 21 May 2013. <>