Lindgerus (Ludgerus), St

Lindgerus (Ludgerus), St., a noted theologian, was born about the year 743 in Friesland. He became a disciple of St. Boniface, who admitted him to holy orders, and afterwards he went for four years and a half to England to perfect himself under the renowned Alcuin, then at the head of the school of York. He returned in 773, and in 776 was ordained priest by Alberic, successor of St. Gregory. He preached the Gospel with great success in Friesland, converted large numbers, and founded several convents, but was obliged to quit the country in consequence of the invasion of the Saxons. He then went to Rome to consult with the pope, Adrian II, and withdrew for three years to the monastery of Mount Cassin. Charlemagne having repulsed the Saxons and liberated Friesland, Lindgerus returned, preached the Gospel to the Saxons with great success, as also in Westphalia, and founded the convent of Werden. In 802 he was, against his wishes, appointed bishop of Mimigardeford, which was afterwards called Münster. He always enjoyed the favor of Charlemagne, notwithstanding the intrigues of enemies jealous of his usefulness. He died in A.D. 809. — Herzog, Real-Encyklop. volume 19, s.v.