Saint Isfrid
Feastday: June 15
“Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”(1 Corinthians 4:1)
Isfrid was born around the year 1115 and became a canon in the abbey founded by Norbert and Godfrey at Cappenberg. After serving as provost of the Norbertine abbey of Jerichow, where he built the abbey church that still stands today, he was chosen to succeed Evermode as bishop of Ratzeburg. The Norbertine is totally dedicated to the edification of the local church, and Isfrid took his stewardship seriously in this frontier diocese. He completed the cathedral that had been begun by Evermode and established many parishes, and he patiently continued the civilization and evangelization of the Wends. When the rights of his people were threatened by the impious Emperor Frederick, he remained a steadfast protector of the flock, just as he defended them from the snares of the devil by his own notably penitential life. One charming story relates that, as he was fasting on bread and water on Good Friday, the water given him was miraculously changed to wine. After this happened for the third time, Isfrid said, “I will obey You, Lord, since it is your command, and on this holy day of your Son’s Passion, I accept whatever You yourself are pleased to offer me.” His sanctity was widely acclaimed and supported by miracles during his life, as well as after his death in 1204.
(Saint drawings courtesy of Saint Norbert Abbey, De Pere, Wisconsin.)
"Almighty eternal God, Your bishop St. Isfrid, refulgent with Your assistance, devoutly loved and strenuously defended You Church; grant, we beseech You, that obedient to the holy Gospel, we may faithfully serve Your people. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen."
– Prayer in honor of Saint Isfrid
