CURRICULUM VITAE
She came from an old noble Anglo-Saxon family. She entered the monastery of the Order of St. Benedict. When her uncle (later saint) Boniface saw that there were few monasteries for women in the eastern part of the Frankish Empire, now Germany, he summoned Valburga to Mainz, where she arrived with other nuns in 748. Her main place of work became the new monasteries in Heidenheim, where she was abbess. With a life of deep faith and God’s grace, she bore witness to true Christianity. She supported the poor, helped orphans, and contributed donations to the construction of churches. She worked in Heidenheim until her death. In 870, her remains were transferred to Eichstätt.
SHE CONSTANTLY HAD GOD BEFORE HER EYES
She was born in Wessex, England. Her father was St Richard, who is commemorated on 7 February. Her mother, Wuna, was the sister of St Boniface, who is commemorated on 5 June. Walburga’s brothers, Winebald and Vilibald, who are commemorated on 18 December and 7 July respectively, also later became saints. Walburga received her early religious training at a mixed Benedictine monastery in Wimborne, Dorset. Her brothers joined the same order at the monastery of Montecassino in Italy, where they were ordained as priests. They then followed Boniface to Germany. Walburga was then asked to join them in this missionary area, which is now part of Germany. She agreed and travelled by ship. En route, they encountered a dangerous storm, which they successfully overcame through prayer. She then arrived safely in Mainz with her companions, where she was warmly welcomed by Willibald and Boniface. The second brother introduced them to the nunnery in Bischofsheim, Thuringia, where Lioba became the first abbess. Walburga was her deputy and assistant.
Wilibald, who was bishop of Eichstätt from 741, purchased land in the nearby mountains on which he built a church and a small monastery for sisters. The monastery’s first abbess was Valburga. He soon constructed two more substantial Benedictine monasteries there, one for monks and one for nuns, naming the location Heidenheim. Wilibald was put in charge of the monastery for men and Valburga became abbess of the convent. Following her brother’s death in 761, she took over the entire monastery complex in Heidenheim. She governed both communities with humility, kindness, and love. It was said of her that she constantly had God before her eyes, in joy as well as in pain and worry. Although she loved solitude and silence, she received many visitors who asked for her advice and help, and she never refused them. Wealthy supporters came bearing gifts, which she gratefully accepted; however, she kept only what was necessary for the monastery and gave the rest to the needy. She also contributed to the construction of temples and the care of orphans. The more she gave to the poor, the more she was said to receive in return.
Legend has it that a close castle lord’s daughter fell seriously ill and nothing helped. When Valburga heard about it, even though it was already night, she went to the castle gate. There, dogs rushed to her and the castle lord rushed over, fearing for her. She only said that she was a servant of Jesus Christ, who was protecting her. And the dogs retreated. The Lord led her to her dying daughter, and she asked her parents to join in prayers for her salvation. Then she was left alone with the child, praying that God would show His power over the girl, if it was His will. And the next day the child was perfectly healthy. The happy parents wanted to shower Valburga with gifts, but she did not take anything. However, she asked them to love God with all their hearts and serve Him. The meeting with the dogs is depicted, for example, in an engraving by Ludvík Seitz from the 19th century.
After Valburga’s death, her grave was glorified by the wonders of many miraculous healings. Her remains were placed in a stone coffin and pure healing oil was said to flow from the surface.
RESOLUTION, PRAYER
