<p>St. Frederick was born around 780 in Friesland and was a grandson of the King.&nbsp; Records show he died in 838.&nbsp; The records from the Catholic Church show that he was murdered. &nbsp;At a young age the clergy, including the Bishop there, taught Frederick at Utrecht.&nbsp; After completing his studies he was ordained a Priest and put in charge of converting the remaining faithless in the northern areas of the dioceses.&nbsp; He extended his conversions and teachings to areas outside his diocese as well, many in hostile areas.&nbsp; The Church records show that he preached together with St. Odulfus in some of these areas.&nbsp;</p> <p>After the death of the bishop, Frederick was chosen as the Bishop of Utrecht. &nbsp;He was well known for his piety, compassion, and his steadfastness to the Faith.&nbsp; He was very key during the Synod of Mainz in 829, and was praised for his knowledge and understanding of the Faith.&nbsp; Vita S. Bonifacii has been attributed to St. Frederick. &nbsp;</p> <p>The details are unclear as to exactly how Frederick came to an end, although it has been established that he was murdered.&nbsp; Legend tells us that two men stabbed him after offering the Mass, on July 18^th, 838. Empress Judith hired these two men, because of Frederick&rsquo;s regular criticism of her immoral way of life.&nbsp; Other legends say they were assassins from the surrounding areas, who were hostile to Frederick&rsquo;s preaching on Christianity.&nbsp; He is buried in St. Salvator&rsquo;s Church in Utrecht. &nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Practical Take Away</strong></span></p> <p>St. Frederick was born into a royal family.&nbsp; His grandfather was a King.&nbsp; He like so many others, walked away from their wealth and status to follow God and Holy Mother Church.&nbsp; He learned the faith, was Ordained and became a Bishop.&nbsp; Because of his not backing down from the truth, he was murdered for preaching the word of God.&nbsp; How many times do we back down around those in our circle when the subject of faith comes up?&nbsp; We can learn from St. Frederick to persevere and remain true to the faith and proclaim it to the end &ndash; to all those around us.&nbsp; Again, like St. Francis tells us, &ldquo;Use words when necessary&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>