St. Frederick

St. Frederick (born c. 780 AD, died 838 AD) was a bishop of Utrecht whohails from Friesland. He was the grandson of Frisian king Radboud.

He preached at St.Oduluf and Walcheren in Stavoren and also itssurrounding areas. He was chosen as the next bishop of Utrecht after thedeath of Refried.

He was known for his vast knowledge and intellect and his piety. Thehagiography Vita S. Bonifacio has been attributed to him.

Religious and Political Contribution

He was tutored by clergymen from an early age, including Ricfried, whowas bishop of Utrecht. He was instructed in devotion and consecratedlearning with the clergy of the Utrecht church. He was appointed as apriest as soon he completed his studies.

He was chosen to be the successor of Bishop Ricfried about 825 as Bishopof Utrecht, and by him, He was charged with turning the residualpaganism in the bishopric’s northern territories and places beyond thediocese.

Considering his mark and name, he got himself involved in politicalmatters. The empress Judith was charged by the young prince with variousimmoralities. It is said that Frederick admonished her of them. He spoketo her with charity and patience, but he drew upon himself resentment ofthe empress.

Fredrick also found himself raising fury of those who did not assign toChristian beliefs and spreading Christian teachings throughout the land.He was intensely disliked by many individuals who were in power and weredangerous. However, he refused to bow down.

He was most disliked by natives of Walcheren as they were uncivilizedand against the gospel. He led priests to the diocese’s northernreaches, claiming this dangerous and challenging territory for him.

He was greatly troubled by marriages contracted within the separation ofparties and the forbidden decree in those areas. As the Walcheren werehostile towards Christian teachings.

Uncertain Death of St. Frederick

It is vague that how exactly Frederick died, but he was undoubtedlymurdered. He was making his thanksgiving. As he completed his Masscelebration.

Two assassins stabbed him on July July 18, 838. His final words were,“I will praise the Lord in the land of the living,”

However, It is also unclear that who had ordered the assassins. But thehistorians or the authors who wrote on him agree that it was because ofhis preaches and enforcements of Christian beliefs. The church considershim a holy martyr who gave his life to devotion.

Eleventh or twelfth-century writers claim that assassins were hired bythe empress Judith, as she was sick of daily admonishment by stFrederick and could not lenience her liberty being seized away.

Willia of Malmesbury and Obert of Liege claim the same thing, whilelater writers like Jean Mabillion and Cesare Baronio believe theassassin was dispatched by Walcheren because they were anti-Christian.They send them as their response to his teaching and his beeriness.

The latter one seems to be more reasonable. There are no sources foundof the writer saying that empress was immoral or shameless, andmoreover, it is found that Walcheren stayed antagonistic towards thepriests by Utrecht.

He was buried at St. Salvator’s Church in Utrecht. The 18th of July ishis feast day.

5 Interesting Facts About St. Frederick

1. He is revered as the patron saint of deaf people.
2. He is known for his erudition and piety.
3. He composed a prayer to the Blessed Trinity. It was used in the
   Netherlands for many ages.
4. Hagiography Vita S. Bonifacio has been attributed to him.
5. St. Fredrick often used the saying “use words when necessary.”

Prayer to St. Frederick

God, You gave splendor to Your Church by granting St. Frederick thevictory of martyrdom. Grant that, as he imitated the Lord’s Passion, sowe may follow in his footsteps and attain everlasting joys.Amen.