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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
c. 700–November 27, 784
Patron Saint of the city of Salzburg, scientists, and missionaries
St. Vergilius of Salzburg was an Irish monk, missionary, and bishop who lived in the 8th century. His zealous missionary spirit spread Christianity across Central Europe.
Born in Ireland, he entered monastic life and quickly gained a reputation as a scholar. In the mid-8th century, he traveled to the continent, joining the wave of Irish monks who carried the Gospel into Europe.
St. Vergilius eventually settled in Bavaria, where he became abbot of a monastery in Salzburg. His reputation as a man of learning drew the attention of local rulers, and he was later appointed Bishop of Salzburg in 767.
As bishop, he dedicated himself to strengthening the faith and rebuilding the city’s grand Cathedral. He also encouraged missionary activity in neighboring regions, such as Carinthia and Hungary, thereby helping to enhance the spread of Christianity in Central Europe.
St. Vergilius was also known for his scientific curiosity. He taught about antipodes and the existence of people living on the other side of the globe, an unusual concept in his time. His interest in astronomy and geography occasionally sparked controversy, particularly with St. Boniface, who questioned his teachings. Still, St. Vergilius remained respected for his knowledge and his pastoral care.
He died in 784 and was venerated soon after as a saint. In 1233, Pope Gregory IX formally canonized him. Today, St. Vergilius is honored for his scientific curiosity and his successful missionary efforts to advance Christianity in Central Europe.
Despite controversies that arose from his knowledge of astronomy, the pope named St. Vergilius bishop. As Bishop of Salzburg, he focused on strengthening the faith of the people and rebuilding the grand Salzburg Cathedral, a major spiritual and architectural achievement. As an Irish missionary, St. Vergilius embarked with zeal on significant evangelization efforts, particularly in converting the Alpine Slavs and sending the first missionaries into Hungary.
Called “the geometer” for his geographical knowledge, St. Virgilius of Salzburg was known for his intellectual curiosity. He gained knowledge of antipodes and a spherical Earth from the writings of scholars such as Pythagoras, Aristotle, and Macrobius. St. Vergilius’ teachings on the antipodes were deemed controversial in the 8th century, but the idea of a round Earth was accepted by educated Europeans centuries earlier. As an Irish-born scholar, he was a master of classical learning, which served him well in his role as Bishop of Salzburg.
Around 748, St. Boniface accused St. Vergilius of holding beliefs contrary to Scripture and reported him to Pope Zachary. The dispute concerned St. Vergilius’ teaching that other people lived on the opposite side of the globe.
St. Vergilius’ disagreement with St. Boniface was primarily a theological one. Some worried that a separate race of people not descended from Adam would challenge certain Church doctrines, such as original sin and the redemption of all people through Christ. Pope Zachary ruled that St. Vergilius’ belief in a round Earth with antipodes was not heretical, if he did not propose that these inhabitants were not descendants of Adam. After St. Boniface’s martyrdom, St. Vergilius was appointed bishop.
This eBook combines stunning photography from EWTN’s Vatican Bureau along with Bible passages and saints’ quotes that will calm your heart, give you hope, and remind you that God is with us always. Simply fill out the form below and we will send this to you!
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
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