Today, March 26, is the commemoration of Saint Ludger.
Born in 742 AD, Ludger came from a family of wealth and nobility. He was the brother of St. Gerburgis and St. Hildegrin. He was much impressed by the preaching of St. Boniface.
He was ordained priest and became a missionary. He went on a pilgrimage to Rome and met with Pope Adrian I.
He led a very busy life building monasteries and chapels, performing many acts of charity, even curing and converting people along the way.
Although weakened by his heavy work, Ludger never felt discouraged as he believed that the Lord would sustain him until the end. In fact, he never neglected his time of prayer and meditation. He considered prayer as his source of strength in carrying out his duties as a Christian.
He died on the evening of Passion Sunday in the year 809. Amazingly, he managed to hear Mass and preach in the morning, and said his final Mass.