For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth (Jn 18:37)
In America, the term Witness Tree has at least two meanings. The first is as a witness to history. That is, a tree that was present during a significant American historical or cultural moment. The second usage refers to a tree that serves as a marker of a geographical boundary. It’s primarily that second usage that concerns us here.
In keeping with the monastic custom of naming created (and even manufactured) objects in honor of saints, meet Boniface. We named this Missouri Oak that marks the northern most boundary of our land in honor of the 7th Century English saint who brought the Gospel to Germany. Legend has it that St. Boniface felled the great Donar’s Oak — a tree that was sacred to the Pagan Germans. When St. Boniface brought down that tree, he brought down the idolatry of the German tribes and the paganism that kept them in darkness and bondage. In its place, he planted a life-giving tree, the Cross of Jesus Christ.
When we’re ready to break ground for construction, we’ll gather around our bishop with our friends, neighbors and benefactors and we too will literally plant the Cross of Christ in this land. And just as the Lord abundantly blessed St. Boniface’s mission, by the prayers of that great saint, may he bless ours as well.
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Addendum: St. Boniface was previously named Wynfreth and, for a few days, so was this tree. In the end, we thought Boniface was the wiser choice but we can be persuaded to change our minds! Let us know what you think in the comments.
