Willibrord was born in Northumberland in 657, and when twenty
years old, went to Ireland, to study under Saint Egbert; twelve
years later, he felt drawn to convert the great pagan tribes who
were hanging as a cloud over the north of Europe. He went to
Rome for the blessing of the Pope, and with eleven companions
reached Utrecht. The pagans would not accept the religion of
their enemies the Franks; and Saint Willibrord could only labor
in the track of Pepin Heristal, converting the tribes whom Pepin
subjugated. At Pepin’s urgent request, he again went to Rome,
and was consecrated Archbishop of Utrecht. He was stately and
comely in person, frank and joyous, wise in counsel, pleasant in
speech, in every work of God strenuous and unwearied. Multitudes
were converted, and the Saint built churches and appointed
priests all over the land. He wrought many miracles, and had the
gift of prophecy. He labored unceasingly as bishop for more than
fifty years, beloved alike of God and of man, and died full of
days and good