Saint Odulph of Utrecht

Biography

Saint Odulph of Utrecht, also known as Odulph of Stavoren, Odolfo, Odulf, Odulfo, and Odulphus, was born in Brabant, modern-day Belgium. He belonged to a noble French family and lived a pious and studious youth. At a young age, he entered the Augustinian order, dedicating himself to a life of prayer and service to God. After his ordination as an Augustinian priest, Odulph was appointed as the curate of Oresscoth in Brabant. It was during this time that he became acquainted with Saint Frederick of Utrecht, who would become his close collaborator in evangelizing the Frisons, a Germanic people residing in the coastal areas of the Netherlands and Germany. Recognizing the need for spiritual guidance and the spreading of the Christian faith among the Frisons, Odulph and Saint Frederick embarked on a missionary journey. They preached the Gospel, converted many to Christianity, and established strong foundations for the Church in the region. Due to his commitment to the faith and his exemplary spiritual life, Odulph was subsequently appointed as a canon of the cathedral in Utrecht, Netherlands. In this role, he focused on setting a good example of prayer and fasting for the laypeople, instilling in them the importance of a devout and disciplined spiritual life. In addition to his work in Utrecht, Odulph founded the Augustinian monastery at Stavoren. This religious community became a center for prayer, study, and the preservation of the monastic tradition. Through his efforts, the monastery flourished and became a significant spiritual haven in the region. Saint Odulph was known for his humility, simplicity, and deep devotion to Christ. He led a life of self-denial and embraced the monastic virtues of poverty, chastity, and obedience. His commitment to prayer and penance made him a spiritual role model for many. Saint Odulph passed away around the year 855 of natural causes. However, his influence continued long after his death. In 1034, his relics were stolen but eventually found their way to London, England. They were subsequently interred at Evesham Abbey, where they continued to be venerated. Recognizing his holiness and the impact of his life and work, Saint Odulph was canonized by the Catholic Church. Though his canonization occurred prior to the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Saint Odulph is considered a saint of the Pre-Congregation era. Today, Saint Odulph is honored as the patron saint of Borgloon, Belgium, his birthplace. His feast days are celebrated on June 12th and July 18th on some calendars, offering an opportunity for the faithful to remember his exemplary life and seek his intercession in their spiritual journeys.