Virgin and Abbess
Feast: February 25 (Translation of Relics: May 1)
Early Life and Formation
Saint Walburga was born around the year 710 in Wessex, England, into a family radiant with sanctity. She was the daughter of Saint Richard the Pilgrim and the sister of Saint Willibald, Bishop of Eichstätt, and Saint Winibald, Abbot of Heidenheim. Thus, she belonged to a lineage chosen by Providence for the evangelization of the Germanic lands.
Entrusted at a young age to the monastery of Wimborne in Dorset, Walburga received a thorough formation in Sacred Scripture, the Latin tongue, and monastic discipline. Wimborne was renowned for its fidelity to the Rule of Saint Benedict and its missionary zeal. Under the guidance of holy abbesses, she grew in learning, humility, and ardent love for Christ.
It is believed that she spent approximately 26 years in monastic life in England before being called to missionary labor.
Mission to Germany
Around 748, at the invitation of her uncle Saint Boniface, Apostle of Germany, Walburga joined the great Anglo-Saxon missionary movement to the Continent. She assisted her brother Saint Winibald at the double monastery of Heidenheim in Bavaria.
After Winibald’s death (c. 761), Walburga was appointed Abbess over both the monks and nuns—a remarkable testimony to her prudence and spiritual authority. Under her governance, the monastery flourished in discipline and sanctity. She was known for:
- Tender charity toward the poor
- Wise counsel to clergy and laity
- Strict yet maternal monastic leadership
- Deep devotion to prayer and the Divine Office
Miracles and the “Oil of Saint Walburga”
Numerous miracles were attributed to her both during her life and after her holy death around 779.
Most notable is the phenomenon associated with her relics at Eichstätt. From her tomb exudes a clear liquid substance often called the “Oil of Saint Walburga” (Walburgisöl). This oil, not greasy but water-like, has been collected for centuries and is believed to bring healing to the sick. The Church has treated this phenomenon with reverence and sobriety, recognizing the spiritual fruits attached to devotion to her intercession.
Patronage
Saint Walburga is invoked as:
- Patroness against rabies
- Protectress against storms and hydrophobia
- Helper in times of plague
- Intercessor for sailors and farmers
In medieval Europe, her feast became associated with the eve of May 1 (“Walpurgis Night”), though Christian devotion to her must be clearly distinguished from later pagan or folkloric accretions.
Spiritual Significance
Saint Walburga stands as a luminous example of:
- Missionary courage grounded in contemplative life
- The powerful role of holy women in the evangelization of Europe
- Fidelity to the Benedictine Rule
- Sanctity expressed in learning and leadership
Her life reminds us that contemplation and action are not opposed but harmonized in the service of Christ and His Church.
A Spiritual Reflection
Consider Saint Walburga’s hidden years in formation before her public mission. God often prepares souls in silence before employing them in visible works. Ask yourself:
- Am I faithful in hidden duties?
- Do I accept preparation before action?
- Is my apostolate rooted in prayer?
Prayer to Saint Walburga
O glorious Saint Walburga,
Virgin and faithful bride of Christ,
Who didst labor for the conversion of souls
And govern thy spiritual children with wisdom and charity,
Obtain for us perseverance in prayer,
Courage in trial,
And zeal for the salvation of souls.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.