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Saint Virgil of Salzburg
Image: Karin Rager · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Saint Virgil of Salzburg

Irish monk, abbot and bishop of Salzburg who disputed with Saint Boniface

Rank
Saint
Kind
Bishop, Missionary
Life
700 – 784
Era
8th century
Feast
27 November
Countries
Ireland, Austria
AustriaIreland

Life story

Virgil, called Fergal or Feirgil in Irish, was born around 700 in Ireland. He was abbot of Aghaboe, in what is now County Laois, and was nicknamed the Geometer for his learning in geography and astronomy. Around 745 he left Ireland meaning to visit the Holy Land but stopped in Frankish territory, where Pippin the Short received him kindly.

At the invitation of Duke Odilo he went on to Bavaria, and within a year or two he was abbot of St Peter's monastery in Salzburg. For years he did not exercise the bishop's office himself; another Irishman, Dobdagrecus, performed the episcopal duties. In Bavaria he came into conflict with Saint Boniface, archbishop of Mainz. Virgil held that baptism given by a priest who misspoke the Trinitarian formula was still valid, and when Boniface complained to Pope Zachary, the pope ruled in Virgil's favour.

Boniface later accused him of teaching that people lived on the other side of the earth, which was said to contradict Scripture. Pope Zachary ordered only that, if the charge proved true, a council should deal with it; Virgil's treatise is lost, so what he actually taught is unclear. He was not condemned.

After Boniface's martyrdom Virgil became bishop of Salzburg in 766 or 767 and worked to strengthen the diocese and spread the faith, especially in Carinthia. He died at Salzburg on 27 November 784; some older sources give 789. Pope Gregory IX canonised him in 1233.

Works and witness

  • Abbot of Aghaboe in Ireland, nicknamed the Geometer
  • Left Ireland about 745 and reached Bavaria at Duke Odilo's invitation
  • Abbot of St Peter's monastery in Salzburg
  • Bishop of Salzburg from 766 or 767, promoting missions in Carinthia
  • Canonised in 1233

Saints from the same country

Saint Patrick, Saint Columba, Saint Brigid of Ireland, Saint Columbanus

References

  • Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), St. Vergilius of Salzburg
  • Encyclopedia.com, Virgilius (Fergal or Feirgil) of Salzburg, St.
  • Wikipedia, Virgil of Salzburg (cross-check of 1233 canonisation)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.