Frederick was a native of Utrecht, Netherlands. As a young priest he was assigned the task of instructing the new converts/catechumens. Around the year 825, Frederick was consecrated Bishop of Utrecht. As a zealous pastor of souls, he sent out missionaries to all the areas of his diocese where the people were still pagans. When the immoral life of Empress Judith turned out to be a source of public scandal in the kingdom, the holy Prelate did not hesitate to reproach her. Another area of concern for Bishop Frederic was the evangelization of the non Christians of Wlacheren lying in the northern part of his diocese. They resisted the word of God and preferred to live in their superstitions. While Frederick was praying before the Crucifix after his morning Mass on July 18, 838, two assassins pinned him to the ground with their daggers. His last words were: “I walk in the presence of the Lord in the world of the living.” (Ps.116: 9)
Reflection: Frederick was a zealous and courageous missionary, whose primary concern was the evangelization of the pagans committed to his care and who was prepared to lay down his life for the spread of the Gospel.
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness (Mt. 9:35)
