Livinus

The Holy Livinus of Ghent, also called St. Lieven (* 580, † 12 November 657 ) was an apostle of Flanders and Brabant. In Catholic areas of Belgium is His feast day November 12.

Life

About the life and work of Livinus reported a Vita, which is the holy Boniface attributed, and an epistle, as the author of Holy shall itself. Both sources are judged to be not very credible.

According to them he was born in a noble Irish family traveled in his youth to England, where he attended St. Augustine of Canterbury. Then he returned to his native country in order to finish his studies. He was ordained a priest and rose to the bishop. Like many from Ireland, Scotland and England, he felt the " peregrinatio Domini " ( trip abroad in the name of God ) appointed. For his mission, he left Ireland and went to Ghent and Zeeland.

There he remained in " Coenobium Ganda " ( Monastery of Ghent) and prayed at the grave of St. Bavo, who had died shortly before. Then he went on a mission in the county Aalst, including by Houtem, a town between Ghent and Ninove, which is now named after him (St. Lievens Houtem ). There lies his grave.

Miracle activity and martyrdom

According to legend, Livinus was attacked on one of his missions by a demon-possessed. He fought off the attack and ordered the devil to free the poor man. This was first lifeless on the floor, until he stood up and thanked Livinus. It is also said that he had the blind since the age of thirteen miners Ingelbert, son of Craphilde, healed and then baptized.

Later he preached in Essche at Geraardsbergen. Here however, he was attacked by pagans who plucked his tongue and beheaded him. This happened on 12 November 657 The missionary was buried in Houtem and worshiped as a martyr.

Patron

The name " Lieven " is a non- rare first name in the Flemish part of Belgium. The meaning of the name goes on " Livinus " back to lib -win, which means people friend or friend of the people. Other explanations suggest it from MHG lib Wuan, " loves life ".