Saints Library · Seeking Solace

St. Nicholas of Flüe

Patron of Switzerland, Councilnaen, Large Families and Others

Current Church statusSaint
Feast / commemorationMarch 21
Remembered asPatron of Switzerland, Councilnaen, Large Families and Others
BirthplaceCanton of Obwalden
Country / regionSwitzerland
Period1417–1487

Life and historical setting

Nicholas of Flüe (1417–1487) is remembered in the Church as patron of Switzerland, Councilnaen, Large Families and Others. The supplied Catholic source associates this life with Canton of Obwalden.

Documented offices and forms of service associated with Nicholas of Flüe include hermit, mystic.

The enduring witness of Nicholas of Flüe is especially connected with prayer and contemplation, teaching and sacred learning, and religious life and community. Dates, offices, and institutions are presented as biographical facts, while later devotional interpretation is kept distinct from the historical outline.

Vocation and witness

These themes were identified from the supplied source record and provide a structured guide to the life.

Prayer and contemplation

Prayer, contemplation, or a disciplined interior life is a significant part of the recorded witness.

Teaching and sacred learning

Teaching, writing, study, or the formation of others belongs to the legacy preserved in the source.

Religious life and community

Consecrated life, community discipline, or the building of a religious family shapes this witness.

Works of mercy

Practical mercy toward people who were poor, sick, displaced, or otherwise in need is part of the recorded story.

Courageous public witness

The narrative records fidelity expressed publicly despite conflict, opposition, exile, or imprisonment.

Faithful endurance

The source presents holiness sustained through prayer, trust, and faithful endurance.

Spiritual legacy

The enduring witness of Nicholas of Flüe is especially connected with prayer and contemplation, teaching and sacred learning, and religious life and community. Dates, offices, and institutions are presented as biographical facts, while later devotional interpretation is kept distinct from the historical outline.

Prayerful reflection

God of holiness, through the witness of Nicholas of Flue, strengthen us in steadfast prayer, trust in God, and hope during sorrow or uncertainty. Keep our attention fixed on Jesus Christ, and teach us to answer grace faithfully in the duties, relationships, and needs placed before us. Amen.

Historical and liturgical note

Current Vatican News calendar listing; local and religious calendars may add other observances.

Other associated observances: September 25.

Dates, offices, and institutions are presented as biographical facts, while later devotional interpretation is kept distinct from the historical outline.

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