February 7 – St. Richard
Born: c. 670
Died: c. 725
Nationality: English
Vocation: lay
Attributes: royal robes
Canonization: pre-congregation
Not much is known of the life of St. Richard except that he ruled the British kingdom of Wessex. He married and had three children, Willibald, Winnebald, and Walburga, who all became saints.
After ruling the kingdom for roughly 35 years, he abdicated so that he could live a more ascetic and holy life. On a pilgrimage to Rome with two of his sons, he was stricken with fever and died.
His sons buried him in the Church of San Frediano, and pilgrims flocked there during the Middle Ages seeking miracles. He is also known as “Richard of Wessex,” “Richard of Lucca,” “Richard the Pilgrim,” and “King of the English.”
St. Richard, pray for us.