The Holy Suederus

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An equally ardent apostle to the Westphalians was Suederus. At one time, many heathen Westphalians had a feast near Soest, and Suederus traveled to their gathering. When the former talked about the might of their gods and the impotence of Christ who was pushed on them in exchange, Suederus bravely stepped forward, defended the Savior, and, in particular, told of the miracles that Christ the Lord worked through the labors of the holy Suibertus. When this caused the heathens to realize that Suederus was a Christian, they soured on him, grappled, beat, hurt him, and, finally, threw him out of their midst and ripped his tongue out.

But, just as they rejoiced in their appraisal that they had done a great deed and returned to their feast, their dishes turned to stones and they were bereft of their eyesight. As they now realized the great injustice they had done to Christ and his servant Suederus, they asked to be brought before him and humbly begged for his forgiveness. Suederus was not only willing to grant this, but also promised them aid and the return of their eyesight if they went with him to Werden to the grave of the holy Suibertus. This proposal was accepted, and they traveled together to Werden. As soon as they arrived, everyone was healed including Suiderus, who had called upon the holy Suibertus in his heart. Suederus regained his tongue, and the heathens their eyesight. In this manner not only those, but also many other people in Soest and the surrounding region were turned to the faith.

Source: Temme - Westphälische Sagen und Geschichten, p. 267f

caption Note: This story was published in the book Sunken Castles, Evil Poodles: Commentaries on German folklore. Get the book for further context and explanatory commentary!