Saint Witta

Biography

Witta, also known as Albuin or Vito Albinus, was born in Wessex and served as one of the early Anglo-Saxon missionaries in Hesse and Thuringia during the 8th century. He was a disciple and companion of Saints Boniface and Lullus. Following the establishment by Boniface of the bishopric of Büraburg near Fritzlar in 741, Witta became its first and only bishop. After his death on October 26, 747, no successor was appointed to the see. The subsequent archbishop of Mainz, Lullus, incorporated the bishopric into his own jurisdiction to maintain control over Christian missionary efforts towards the East. Witta's burial place is in the chapel of Saint Sturm, later used by Lullus as a foundation for Hersfeld Abbey. He is venerated on October 26 and is recognized as an early Anglo-Saxon missionary who played a significant role in spreading Christianity in central Germany.