Saint Ewald The Black

Biography

Saint Ewald The Black, also known as Ewald the Dark or Hewald, was a priest and missionary hailing from Northumbria, England. He studied in Ireland and developed a close relationship with Saint Willibrord of Echternach, a prominent Irish missionary. In the year 690, Ewald embarked on a missionary journey to Saxony alongside Saint Ewald the Fair. Their mission was to spread the message of Christianity to the pagan Saxons who were resistant to abandoning their old religious practices. Despite facing significant challenges, the two Ewalds were determined to bring the light of the Gospel to the Saxons. However, their mission took a tragic turn when they were captured and brutally tortured by the pagan Saxons. The Saxons, fearing the loss of their traditional religion, sought to silence these messengers of Christianity. Eventually, the two saints were martyred, and Ewald The Black met his demise by being torn limb from limb. After the martyrs' deaths, their bodies were callously thrown into the River Rhine. However, divine intervention occurred, as their remains miraculously traveled upstream for approximately 40 miles. They were discovered by their friends who happened to be camping nearby. This extraordinary event left no doubt in the minds of witnesses that these men were indeed saints. The relics of Saint Ewald The Black and Saint Ewald The Fair were then translated to the church of Saint Cunibert in Cologne, Germany, under the patronage of Duke Pepin of Austrasia. This act ensured that the memory of the martyrs would be preserved and revered. Additionally, some of the relics were further translated to the Premonstratensian monastery of Florennes in the province of Namur in 1121 by Saint Norbert. This move spread the veneration of the saints to a wider audience, promoting their example and intercession. Unfortunately, during the tumultuous period of religious unrest in the 16th century, many of Saint Ewald The Black's relics were destroyed by Anabaptists in 1534. Nonetheless, his memory and enduring influence remain steadfast among the faithful. Saint Ewald The Black was recognized for his heroic virtues and martyrdom before the establishment of the formal canonization process. Consequently, he is considered a saint by tradition, without having gone through the official Pre-Congregation canonization process. Saint Ewald The Black is venerated as the patron saint of Westphalia, a region in Germany. His feast day is celebrated on October 3rd, commemorating his martyrdom and his unyielding dedication to spreading the faith even in the face of persecution. The inspiring life of Saint Ewald The Black serves as a testament to the power of faith and the courage to stand steadfast in the face of adversity. His story continues to inspire Christians around the world to remain firm in their beliefs and to promote the message of love and salvation.