Blessed Burchard Of Beinwil

Biography

Blessed Burchard of Beinwil, also known as Burchard of Beinwil, was an esteemed Catholic priest and miracle worker who dedicated his life to the spiritual and physical well-being of his parishioners in Beinwil, Switzerland. He was born in the early 12th century in Langemat, Muri, Switzerland.

Burchard received his education at the Benedictine monastery near his home village. He displayed a strong connection to the monastic life and later became associated with the Kappel monastery, as he is mentioned in their records. After completing his studies, Burchard returned to his hometown and served as the parish priest in Beinwil.

The blessed priest was renowned for his numerous miracles, particularly his gift of healing and his ability to perform miraculous interventions on behalf of those in need. However, Burchard's reputation as a miracle worker is overshadowed by his decades-long dedication to the spiritual and physical care of his parishioners. He tirelessly ministered to the community, offering guidance, support, and solace to all who sought his help.

Legend has it that Burchard possessed a remarkable companionship with a wild bird, possibly an owl, crow, jackdaw, or blackbird. He raised this bird from a chick and bestowed upon it the ability to speak and engage in conversations. The bird became Burchard's confidant and observer of his household. In a tragic turn of events, when the priest was away, his household fell into wicked and dissolute ways. The bird conveyed these developments to Burchard upon his return. In fear of being exposed, the servants killed the bird and discarded its carcass into a mine shaft near the vicarage. Astonishingly, the deceased bird returned to Burchard and managed to convey the details of the crime committed against it, exposing those responsible.

Another remarkable event in Burchard's life occurred when he traveled to the nearby village of Unterhorben to minister to a dying woman. Along the way, he received news from a messenger that the woman had already passed away and there was no need for him to continue. Undeterred, Burchard proceeded to the woman's house, where he fervently prayed over her. Through his intercession, the woman miraculously came back to life long enough to receive the final sacraments and blessings.

Blessed Burchard of Beinwil had a representation commonly depicted as a priest accompanied by an owl, crow, jackdaw, or blackbird. In some representations, the bird has a broken wing, and it is occasionally shown sitting in Burchard's hand.

He is venerated for his holiness and extraordinary life dedicated to the service of others. Immediately after his death, locals began visiting his grave to seek his intercession. By 1228, a lamp perpetually burned at his grave, signifying his esteemed status. Pilgrimages to his tomb were recorded as early as 1407. Witnesses during the late 16th century reported numerous miracles obtained through Burchard's intercession.

The devotion to Blessed Burchard continued to grow, with a confraternity dedicated to him, Saint Peter, and Saint Paul being established in 1588. In 1813, he became the titular patron of his parish church. In 1817, the Sacred Congregation of Rites granted permission for a Mass and Office to be celebrated in his honor. His feast day was officially added to the Proper of the diocese of Basel, Switzerland, in 1866.

Blessed Burchard of Beinwil passed away around the year 1192 in Beinwil, Switzerland, due to natural causes. He was buried in the graveyard of his parish church. Throughout history, his tomb has been opened on several occasions, with his relics being moved during the construction of a chapel on his grave site in 1619 and during renovations in 1754. Ultimately, his relics were returned to the tomb in 1784. Near his final resting place, a spring-fed holy well was discovered, believed to possess spiritual significance.

The life and devotion to others exemplified by Blessed Burchard of Beinwil continue to inspire and serve as a testament to the power of faith, compassion, and intercession. His legacy as a faithful servant of God and a miraculous healer remains cherished within the Catholic community.