Born in Northumbria; died c. 739 or 753 (the later date seems more
probable). While Wiro is believed to have been a native of Northumbria,
he might possibly be from Ireland or Scotland--the record is not clear.
(The Roman Martyrology styles him Wiro, bishop of Scotiae.) His
biographer tells us that he was ordained a priest and with Plechelm (a
fellow Northumbrian and priest) and Otger (a deacon) went to Rome, where
Wiro and Plechelm were consecrated regionary bishops. Others say that
Wiro was consecrated bishop of Utrecht by Saint Boniface. He joined with
Boniface in his letter of correction to King Ethelbald of Mercia in 746.
After doing missionary work in Northumbria, they went to Friesland in
the Netherlands where they evangelized the inhabitants of the lower
Meuse Valley under the direction of either Saint Swithbert or Saint
Willibrord. They built a small church and monastery at Peterkloster
(later Odilienberg) on land granted them by Pepin of Herstal. Later they
were martyred by the Frieslanders while preaching the Gospel. The relics
of Wiro and Plechelm were translated to the church they built at
Roermond, but Otger's remained at their original burial place at
Odilienberg
(
Benedictines,
Delaney,
Farmer).
Saint Wiro is portrayed as hearing the confession of the king. He is
venerated in Peterkloster (Odilienberg)
(
Roeder).