As we move through the Church’s year we’re so often reminded that we celebrate “with the Church throughout the world.” Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost—even today, Most Holy Trinity—are times that Catholics, wherever they are, hear the same words, offer the same prayers, and celebrate the same mighty works of God. But, the Church also gives great feast days for the local community—the patronal feast and the feast of the local Church’s dedication. Tomorrow is one of those days: the feast of St. Boniface. We celebrate it with rather more solemnity than other saints’ days. Since it’s a Monday, we’ll bring it to the building bearing the saint’s name. (Don’t worry, St. Lawrence gets his turn come August.) And the Church gives a plenary indulgence when we visit the church that day. What does St. Boniface (the person, not the building!) mean to us today? It was such a long time ago. But, think about his life. He traveled to a land uninterested in the values of Christianity. He gave his life’s work to people that, as a Briton, he would have regarded as the enemy. He worked hard to bring the gospel to them. He collaborated with fellow monks and nuns— St. Walburga was also a powerful figure in the evangelization of the German people. Aren’t these the values we need to proclaim the gospel to our world today? Creativity, mercy, deep commitment, collaboration? Let’s celebrate this great saint. Let his prayers and example challenge us to our work today.