(d.784) Fergal, Virgilius in Latin, was born in Ireland, where he became a Benedictine monk. He made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, stopped in Bavaria on his way home, and ended up spending the rest of his life in Salzburg, Austria, where he became a bishop. He rebuilt the cathedral in Salzburg, where Mozart was baptised a millennium later.
Saint Virgilius was twice accused of heresy by Saint Boniface but was cleared of the charges each time. Even the saints could disagree. Following the Twelve Traditions helps various 12-Step fellowships navigate differences of opinion. How do you discern between truth and opinion in following a program of recovery?
Saint Virgilius, the devout Irish monk who journeyed on pilgrimage and followed God’s call to minister in an unexpected place, pray for us. Intercede that we might have the discernment to surrender and follow God wherever He calls us to serve. Amen.
Reflection by Brad Farmer