Saint Nicholas of Flue 15th Century

 

[Nicholas of Flue]Feastday 21st March                                               

born 1417                              

Died 1487

 

 

 

 

Born a peasant. Soldier. Married layman, and father of ten. Cantonal judge. Became a hermit in 1467, with the approval of his family. Reported to have had the gift of inedia, surviving solely on Holy Communion, and of prophecy. His reputation for sanctity spread, and he attracted spiritual students. In 1481 he was called on to mediate a dispute that threatened civil war in Switzerland. He succeeded in averting the conflict, then retired to his hermitage. He is considered by many to be the father of this country, honored by both Swiss Protestants and Catholics for his wisdom, holiness and work to unify Switzerland. 1 God favoured him with numerous visions and the gift of prophecy.

 

1. Taken from The Patron Saints Index at http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintn06.htm

 

“The Church will be punished because the majority of her members, high and low, will become so perverted. The Church will sink deeper and deeper until she will at last seem to be extinguished, and the succession of Peter and the other Apostles to have expired. But, after this, she will be victoriously exalted in the sight of all doubters….” 1

 

“An unhappy time is coming of revolt and dissension in the church. Oh my children, do not let yourselves be lead astray by innovations. Rally and hold fast. Stay on the same road, the same foot paths as your fathers trod. Preserve and maintain what they have taught you. It will be enough if you resist the attacks, the tempests, the hurricanes that will arise which such violence...” 2

 

References

1. Yves Dupont, Catholic Prophecy (Tan Books and Publishers 1970) p 30

2. Source unavailable. Please write in.