St. Richard the Pilgrim

St. Richard the Pilgrim was a 7th-century English nobleman and father of Saints Willibald, Winibald, and Walburga. He died during a pilgrimage to Rome and is venerated as a saint for his faith and dedication to Christian life.

St. Richard the Pilgrim, also known as Richard of Wessex or Richard the King, was an English nobleman who lived in the 7th and 8th centuries. Though historical details about his life are sparse and sometimes mixed with legend, he is best remembered as a devout Christian, a noble father, and a dedicated pilgrim.

According to tradition, Richard was the father of three saints: Willibald, who became bishop of Eichstätt; Winibald, who founded a monastery at Heidenheim; and Walburga, who became a renowned abbess. The sanctity of his children suggests that Richard and his wife Wuna raised their family in an atmosphere of strong Christian values and spiritual discipline.

Driven by a desire to deepen their faith and show devotion to God, Richard and his sons embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land around 720 AD. On their way to Rome, Richard fell ill and died in Lucca, in present-day Italy. He was buried in the Church of St. Fridianus (San Frediano), where his tomb soon became a place of veneration and miracles.

Although not canonized through a formal process, Richard was widely recognized as a saint by early Christian communities, especially in England and Germany, where his children became prominent figures in the Christian mission. His cult was especially strong in Lucca, where his feast is celebrated annually on February 7.

St. Richard is seen as a model of Christian fatherhood and a symbol of faithful pilgrimage. His life reminds us of the importance of spiritual journeying—not just in the physical sense, but also in the journey toward holiness and devotion to God. His legacy continues through the enduring veneration of his saintly children and the inspiration he provides to Christian families around the world.

Feast Day

7-2-

Birth Date

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Died Date

7-2-720 AD

Canonised Date

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Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

Prayer Information Not Available
ST. RICHARD THE PILGRIM

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ST. RICHARD THE PILGRIM

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Credits & Acknowledgments

Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
US Catholic (Faith in Real Life) – Informational articles
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