Kilian

c.640-c.689. “The Apostle of Franconia.” A native of Ireland, he was probably already a bishop when he left with eleven companions to evangelize the Franks. Having reached Würzburg, he reputedly traveled to Rome for papal approval of his mission. He converted many in Franconia and Thuringia, including Duke Gozbert, whom he persuaded to separate from Geilana, his brother's widow. In revenge she had him murdered with two of his fellow-missionaries, Coloman and Totman. Their relics were solemnly transferred by Burchard, first bishop of Würzburg, to the new cathedral in 752, and are now enshrined in the Neumünster, traditionally the site of the martyrdom.