Feast of San Riccardo del Wessex

San Riccardo del Wessex, ora pro nobis

February 7th is the Feast of St. Richard of Wessex, "King of the English," pilgrim, and father to Saints Villibaldo (June 7), Vunibaldo (December 18) and Valburga (February 25). Renouncing his worldly possessions in 720, St. Richard went on a pilgrimage and died of fever in Lucca, Italy, en route to the Holy Land. Most likely only a nobleman, it appears that his name and kingship were apocryphal embellishments by the Lucchesi.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Richard of Wessex. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Riccardo del Wessex!

Prayer to St. Richard of Wessex

Blessed be You, O God, our Father, who gave Saint Richard the strength to abandon the honors and powers of the earth, to dedicate himself in humility and joy to a prayerful and penitent life. A tireless pilgrim, under the banner of the cross, he crossed the regions of Europe visiting the sanctuaries of the faith. In his footsteps, his children Willibald, Winebald and Walburga reached the seat of the Apostle Peter and the centers of monasticism, drawing the treasures of Your grace from those precious sources. With the help and example of St. Boniface of Fulda they became evangelizers of the Germanic populations and promoters of apostolic and contemplative life. Grant us, through the intercession of this family of saints, the gift of conversion to contribute as true disciples and witnesses of Christ the Redeemer to the building of a new world, open to the surprises of Your Spirit. For Christ our Lord. Amen.