A MOTION to have Crediton-born Saint Boniface declared the Patron Saint of Devon took a significant step forward today, Wednesday, March 13, when the campaign received cross party support at a meeting of Devon County Council.

Crediton County Councillor Nick Way put forward the motion and said: “Devon’s most famous native-born saint, Boniface, has been described by eminent historians as ‘The greatest Englishman of all times’ and is often referred to as the First European because of his important missionary work across a large part of the continent.

“He is a significant historic figure.  Cornwall has St Piran and Dorset has St Wite as their patron saints. 

“Devon should have its own patron saint, it is important for the county’s identity and tourism.

“People should be able to celebrate St Boniface day each year on June 5.”

Following the meeting, Mr Way said: “My Notice of Motion to Council to adopt Boniface as Patron Saint of Devon has been supported by DCC’s Cabinet this morning. It will now go forward to the next full council meeting in May.”

He added: “This is the first hurdle done. I explained the cultural and historical benefits and spoke about the prospect of having the feast day to St Boniface, June 5, recognised as Devon Day, when we can all celebrate and perhaps enjoy a traditional Devonshire cream tea.

“I mentioned how Scotland celebrates Burns’ Night and Cornwall has its day and pasties so hoped everyone would look forward to celebrate St Boniface Day and enjoying a cream tea.”

Mr Way said that Boniface was “clearly the strongest candidate for Devon” and he believed that had been recognised.

Judy Tucker of the Boniface Link Association said: “It is fantastic news. I just hope the full council will accept the recommendation in May.”

Boniface was born in Crediton around 675AD or 680AD. At the time the town was the main seat of the church in Devon.

His Anglo Saxon name was Wynfrith (from the Saxon words for friend and peace). He changed it to the Latin name Boniface (meaning good fate) when he entered the monastery in Exeter.

He later became a missionary in northern Europe and is credited with taking Christianity to Germany.

St Boniface was killed by a mob in what is now Holland on Pentecost Sunday in 754AD.

He is buried at Fulda, the abbey he founded in northern Germany. It is now a place of pilgrimage for Christians.

St Boniface Roman Catholic Church has the national shrine to the saint, whilst historic Crediton Parish Church has an aisle and a number of artefacts dedicated to St Boniface.

Both are popular destinations for people from across the world interested in St Boniface.

The campaign for St Boniface to be made Patron Saint of Devon received a big boost this morning (March 13) when the Anglican Diocese of Exeter and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Plymouth issued a joint statement backing it.

In the statement, the Rt Rev Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter, and Rt Rev Mark O’Toole, Bishop of Plymouth, said: “We are delighted to champion the groundswell of support to acclaim St Boniface as patron saint of Devon. 

“Boniface left his monastery in our lovely county to take the Gospel to northern Europe, and was martyred there in 754.

“He is rightly acclaimed: ‘Apostle to the Germans’.

“At a time when our links with Europe are under scrutiny, it is good to honour our historic, spiritual links and to celebrate the faith and courage of this extraordinary man of whom Devon can rightly be proud.”