St. Nicholas of Flüe – The Swiss Peacemaker and Hermit

ST. NICHOLAS FLUE

St. Nicholas of Flüe was a Swiss soldier, politician, and family man who later became a hermit. He dedicated himself entirely to God, living in solitude for 20 years while surviving only on the Eucharist. His wisdom and prayers helped prevent civil war in Switzerland. He was canonized in 1947.

St. Nicholas of Flüe was born in 1417 near Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. As a young man, he served as a soldier and reached the rank of captain while defending his homeland. Later, he married Dorothea Wyss, with whom he had ten children. Despite his military and political success, Nicholas was deeply drawn to a life of prayer and contemplation.

In 1465, he withdrew from politics, feeling an increasing call to spiritual life. Two years later, after receiving his wife's consent and ensuring his family's well-being, he renounced worldly possessions and retreated to the mountains of Ranft. There, he lived in a small hermitage, spending his days in prayer and solitude. Remarkably, for 20 years, he survived solely on the Eucharist, a miraculous sign of his deep communion with God.

Nicholas, known as Brother Klaus, gained widespread recognition for his wisdom and holiness. People from all walks of life sought his counsel. In 1481, his advice helped resolve a political crisis in Stans, preventing civil war and fostering Swiss unity. His role in preserving peace earned him great respect across Europe.

On March 21, 1487, Nicholas died peacefully at the age of 70. He was beatified in 1669 and canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1947. St. Nicholas of Flüe remains one of Switzerland's most revered saints and is honored as a model of prayer, sacrifice, and peacemaking.

Feast Day

21-3-

Birth Date

-3-1417

Died Date

21-3-1487

Canonised Date

15-5-1947

Ranft, Switzerland

“O my Lord and my God, take away all that separates me from you! O my Lord and my God, grant me all that draws me closer to you! O my Lord and my God, take me entirely, so I may belong solely to you.”
ST. NICHOLAS FLUE

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ST. NICHOLAS FLUE

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