Saint Nicholas of Flue
| Saint Nicholas of Flue | |
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| Saint | Saint Nicholas of Flüe |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | March 21, 1417 |
| Birthplace | Flüeli, near Sachseln, Switzerland |
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| Deathdate | March 21, 1487 |
| Death Place | Flüeli, near Sachseln, Switzerland |
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| Cause of Death | Natural Causes |
| Notable Location 1 | Brother Klaus Chapel, Flüeli-Ranft, Switzerland |
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| Beatification Date | 1649 |
| Beatified by | Pope Innocent X |
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| Canonized | Yes |
| Canonization Date | 1947 |
| Canonized by | Pope Pius XII |
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| Feast Day | March 21 |
| Profession | Soldier, Hermit, Mystic, Counselor |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Patronage | Switzerland, Council of State of Switzerland, difficult marriages, large families, separated spouses |
| Attributes | Bearded, hermit's robe, crucifix, hermitage, three knots symbolizing his vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience |
| Primary Shrine | Brother Klaus Chapel, Flüeli-Ranft, Switzerland |
| Additional Veneration | |
Saint Nicholas of Flüe, known in German-speaking countries as "Bruder Klaus," was a Swiss hermit and ascetic who is venerated both as a national hero and a saint. Born into a peasant family, he initially pursued a military career, serving in various campaigns. After marrying and having ten children, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening, leading him to live as a hermit from 1467 until his death.
His life was marked by visions and mystical experiences, and he was known for his wisdom and for resolving disputes, including helping to prevent civil war in Switzerland. His hermitage became a place of pilgrimage, and his influence extended to both the spiritual and political spheres of his time.
Biography
Birth
Nicholas of Flüe was born on March 21, 1417, in Flüeli, near Sachseln, in what is now Switzerland.
Early Life
He grew up in a pious peasant family, receiving only basic education but showing early signs of deep religiosity.
Occupation
Before his religious life, Nicholas served as a soldier and later as a councilor, demonstrating leadership and bravery in various military campaigns.
Vocation
After a transformative vision in 1467, he left his family and worldly life to become a hermit, dedicating himself to prayer and fasting in the Ranft gorge.
Death
Nicholas met his end peacefully from natural causes on March 21, 1487, in Flüeli, on his 70th birthday.
Significant events
- Served in the Old Zürich War and other conflicts, gaining respect for his courage and leadership.
- Renounced his public life to become a hermit, living in extreme austerity yet becoming a spiritual advisor to many.
- Played a crucial role in the Diet of Stans in 1481, where his advice helped prevent a civil war in Switzerland.
Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize him as a Servant of God began with the local veneration and miracles attributed to him post-mortem.
Venerable
Declared Venerable for his life of heroic virtue, though specific dates are not well-documented.
Beatification
Beatified in 1649 by Pope Innocent X, based on his life of sanctity and the miracles attributed to his intercession.
Canonization
Canonized in 1947 by Pope Pius XII, recognizing his sanctity, influence, and the continued miracles reported at his shrine.
Miracles
Specific miracles for canonization are not widely detailed, but his life was surrounded by:
Miracle for beatification
Not specifically documented, but his sanctity and posthumous miracles were recognized.
Miracle for canonization
Not specifically documented; however, the canonization process often involves miracles not publicly detailed.
Other notable miracles
Numerous healings and visions associated with his hermitage and relics.
Patronage
Saint Nicholas of Flüe is the patron saint of Switzerland, the Council of State of Switzerland, difficult marriages, large families, and separated spouses.
Feast day
His feast day is celebrated on March 21.
Veneration
He is venerated through pilgrimages to his hermitage in Flüeli-Ranft, which includes the Brother Klaus Chapel. His influence extends beyond Catholicism, touching Swiss cultural identity. His life has inspired various artworks, literature, and even modern architecture, like the Bruder-Klaus-Kapelle by Peter Zumthor.
Books
Written about the saint
- "Brother Klaus: The Life of Saint Nicholas of Flüe" by G. R. Evans
- Various hagiographies in German, such as "Bruder Klaus" by Robert Durrer.
Written by the saint
No known writings by Saint Nicholas of Flüe exist.
External links
- Catholic Online - Saint Nicholas of Flüe
- Wikipedia - Nicholas of Flüe
- Catholic Encyclopedia - St. Nicholas von Flüe