King of the West Saxons in the 8th century, Richard left his throne to undertake a pilgrimage to Rome with his sons. He died on the way in Lucca in 722 before reaching his destination. Father of three famous saints, he is honored for his piety and the miracles that occurred at his tomb.
Guided reading
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SAINT RICHARD, SAXON KING (722).
8TH DAY OF FEBRUARY
Origins and departure on pilgrimage
Richard, King of the West Saxons and father of three future saints, leaves his throne to undertake a pilgrimage to Rome.
He reigned around the 8th century, among the West Saxons who had settled in England. He was the father of Winebald , Willib Winebaud Anglo-Saxon missionary abbot in Germany, founder of Heidenheim. ald, and Walb Guilbaud Son of Saint Richard and Bishop of Eichstätt. urga, w ho are a Walburge Sister of Winebald, abbess of the double monastery at Heidenheim. ll three venerated as Saints; but, whether he had been deprived of his states by some revolution, or whether he had voluntarily abdicated the crown, he made a pilgrimage to Rome with his sons Rome Birthplace of Maximian. Winebald and Willibald.
The journey and death in Lucca
After crossing Neustria and staying in Rouen, Richard died suddenly in Lucca in 722 before reaching Rome.
Having embarked at Hamble-Haven, he landed on the coasts of Neustria, from where he traveled to Rouen. After making a fairly long stay in this city, he continued his journey, giving the greatest marks of piety everywhere. He could not reach Rome, and he died suddenly in Lucca, in Italy, ar ound th Lucques City in Italy where Saint Zita lived and died. e year 722. He was buried in the church of Saint Fridianus.
Recognition and Veneration
Miracles attest to his holiness, and his cult developed particularly in Lucca, where he is celebrated on February 7.
The miracles that God had granted to the piety of this prince, and those with which He has since honored his relics, have earned him a place among the Saints. The veneration of Saint Richard is very fam ous in the city ville de Lucques City in Italy where Saint Zita lived and died. of Lucca, which celebrates his feast day on the 7th of February.
Iconography and posterity of his sons
The saint is represented with various royal or pilgrim attributes, while his sons became major figures of the Church in Germany.
He is represented: 1° standing, wearing his insignia. At his feet are his royal crown, a necklace, a rosary, a book; 2° as a pilgrim, healing a crippled man; 3° engaging in his retreat in the labors of plowing; 4° in a group that brings together his two sons Saint Winebaud and Saint Guilbaud (Wunibald and Wilibald) who later went to Germany and became, one, abbot of Heidenheim and the other bishop o abbé de Heindenheim Anglo-Saxon missionary abbot in Germany, founder of Heidenheim. f Eichstätt.
Documentary Sources
The life of the saint is documented by ancient writings, notably those of a nun of Heidenheim and the works of scholars.
See the Life of Saint Willibald, written by a nun of Heidenheim, in the Lectiones antiquæ of Canis Lectiones antiquæ Historical work cited as a source. ius, from the Banninge edition, and Father Henschenius, Feb., vol. II, p. 70.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Reigned over the West Saxons in England
- Abdication or loss of the throne
- Pilgrimage to Rome with his sons
- Landing at Hamble-Haven and passage through Neustria (Rouen)
- Sudden death in Lucca
Miracles
- Healing of a crippled man
- Posthumous miracles linked to his relics