Saint Livinus

Biography

Saint Livinus, also known as the Apostle of Flanders, was born in the British Isles to a Scottish nobleman and an Irish princess. He was raised in Ireland and received his education both there and in England. Livinus's journey towards his saintly vocation began when he was ordained by Saint Augustine of Canterbury, who recognized his strong faith and potential as a missionary. Inspired by a deep desire to spread the word of God, Livinus embarked on a mission to Flanders, Belgium, along with three companions. During his time in Flanders, Livinus proved to be a highly successful missionary, converting many locals to Christianity. His teachings and his unwavering commitment to the Gospel made a lasting impact on the region. As a result, Livinus was appointed the Bishop of Ghent, Belgium. However, Livinus's missionary work also brought about great challenges and suffering. Pagan inhabitants of the area were resistant to his message and sought to silence him. In one harrowing incident, Livinus was savagely tortured. His tongue, the instrument through which he preached the message of Christ, was torn out in an attempt to silence him permanently. Legend has it that even after this brutal act, Livinus's tongue continued to miraculously preach on its own, a testament to his unwavering faith and the power of God's message. This miraculous event became widely known and reinforced the belief in Livinus's sanctity. Sadly, the martyrdom of Saint Livinus took place on 12 November 633 near Alost, Brabant, Belgium. However, his legacy and influence were far from forgotten. The relics of Saint Livinus were later translated to Ghent, Belgium, where they remain to this day. Today, Saint Livinus is venerated as the patron saint of Flanders, Belgium. Saint Livinus's representation in art often portrays him as a bishop holding his tongue with a pair of tongs or as a bishop with his tongue being torn out. These symbols serve as a reminder of his martyrdom and the immense suffering he endured for his faith. Though Livinus's canonization occurred before official records were kept, he is recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church, having been canonized in the Pre-Congregation era. His feast days are celebrated on 12 November and 25 June, which marks the translation of his relics. Saint Livinus, through his missionary zeal, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel, remains an inspiration to believers around the world. His story serves as a reminder of the courageous faith of the early Christian missionaries and the hardships they endured for the sake of Christ.