St. Lioba, the Patroness of our Congregation was born in the year 710. She was descended from an Anglo-Saxon family living in the kingdom of Wessex in England. She entered the convent at Wimborn and from there she was called to her uncle St Boniface in Germany to help him in missionary work. In his Rule, St Benedict emphasizes unity in word and deed, for Lioba this became her guideline through life. Boniface entrusted the management of the convent Bischofsheim, by the river Tauber, to Lioba.
St. Rudolf of Fulda writes about Lioba
Full of love she looked after children and families in need. Lioba was always careful not to try to teach others anything, she did not follow herself. Her speech was pleasing, her spirit bright and her energy great. Her faith was all-powerful, her hope was full of great patience and her love was directed towards her neighbor.
With advancing years, the duties of abbess became too much for her and she retired to Shornsheim near Mainz. There she spent her last days. On Sept. 27, 782, after receiving the Body and Blood of Christ as Viaticum she peacefully returned her soul to God. The monks of Fulda buried her in their abbey church and in the next century her relics were transferred to Petersburg which is now a pilgrim centre.