Since I did a post for Grandma a few days ago, today I will do one for Grandpa. Today also happens to te the Feast Day of this Saint, so it works out well.
St. Virgil of Salzburg was born around the year 700 in Ireland, where his name was Feirgil or Fearghal. He was from a Noble family and is said to have been a descendant of the semi-historical Irish king Niall of the Nine Hostages (a story for another time). He was probably educated at the Iona Monastery.
Around 745, he left Ireland intending to visit the Holy Land. Like many of his countrymen who embarked on this journey as an act of piety, he settled down in France where he was well received by Pippin the Younger. He was an advisor of Pippin and assisted him and assisted his recognition as king Pippin III. After a couple of years, he moved on to Bavaria at the invitation of Duke Odilo. Another couple of years later found him as Abbot of St. Peter's Abbey in Salzburg.
As Abbot, Virgil clashed with another future Saint, St. Boniface. A priest, through ignorance of Latin, had conferred the Sacrament of Baptism using incorrect wording. Virgil determined that the error was accidental, and the baptism was valid. Boniface disagreed and complained to Pope Zachary. The Pope confirmed Virgil's ruling and expressed surprise that Boniface had questioned it. Later on, Boniface accused Virgil of teaching doctrine that was contrary to Scripture. The Pope responded to this that if it were proven that Virgil did actually profess belief in this doctrine, he should be deprived of his sacerdotal rank and expelled from the church. However, there is no evidence that he did hold or teach doctrine contrary to scripture. He must at some time satisfied his critics as, upon the martyrdom of Boniface, Virgil was made Bishop of Salzburg. He labored successfully in upbuilding the diocese as well as for the spread of Christianity in neighboring heathen countries.
Virgil died in 784. His Feast Day is November 27.
St. Virgil of Salzburg, pray for us.
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