Saint Lioba of Bischofsheim

Biography

Saint Lioba of Bischofsheim, also known as Truthgeba, was born around 710 in Wessex, England. She was born to the Wessex nobility, to parents who had long prayed for a child. From a young age, Lioba displayed a deep devotion to her faith and a keen intellect.

A relative of Saint Boniface, Lioba corresponded with him for several years. She pursued her education at the Convent of Minster-in-Thanet and later in Wimborne, Dorset, England. It was during her time at the Wimborne Abbey that Lioba decided to dedicate her life to God and joined the community as a nun.

Lioba became a nun at Wimborne at a time when Saint Tetta of Wimborne served as the abbess. In 748, she embarked on a significant journey, leading a group of 30 nuns, including Saint Agatha of Wimborne, to Germany to assist in the missionary work of Saint Boniface and to establish new convents.

Lioba and her companions settled in Bischofsheim, in the region of Würzburg, Franconia. They embraced the Benedictine Rule, and Lioba served as the abbess. Her intelligence, endless optimism, positive attitude, and dedication to the study of scriptures were highly admired.

Through her work and the convents she founded, Saint Lioba played a vital role in the conversion of Germany to Christianity. Her tireless efforts and deep faith inspired many, and she was known for her compassionate nature and guidance.

After serving as the abbess of Bischofsheim, Lioba retired from her position in 776. However, she did not rest for long and soon founded another convent in Schornsheim, Mainz. Her influence and teachings continued to spread, reaching far and wide.

Saint Lioba's dedication to her faith and her exemplary character earned her a visit to the court of Charlemagne in Aachen, Germany, where she became a close friend of Empress Hildegard. Her wisdom and spiritual guidance were highly valued by those around her.

Lioba lived a fruitful and devoted life, constantly striving to deepen her knowledge of scripture and strengthen her relationship with God. She passed away on September 28, 782, in Schornsheim, Germany, due to natural causes. She was buried next to Saint Boniface in Fulda, Germany, with her relics being moved in 819 and then again in 839.

Later, her relics were transferred to Saint Peter Berg Abbey in Fulda, Germany, where they are venerated to this day. Although not formally canonized by the Church, Saint Lioba of Bischofsheim is widely recognized and admired for her significant contributions to the spread of Christianity in Germany and her unwavering commitment to a life of holiness.