St. Boniface

Also known as: Bonifatius
Dates: c. 675–754
Role: Apostle of the Germans, Archbishop of Mainz, martyr

Apostle of the Germans, Archbishop of Mainz, and martyr. At his martyrdom held up a codex of the Gospel as a shield; the book was miraculously preserved.

Preface and Praise of Sacred Scripture

Chapter IV: The Judgments and Examples of the Fathers — Carried a codex of the Gospel continually; at his martyrdom held up the codex as a shield; by miracle the book was cut through but no letter destroyed
"Among the Belgians, St. Boniface together with his companions, spreading the law of Christ, continually carried with him a codex of the holy Gospel"