Braving a pagan town
Frederick was born around the year 780 in Friesland in the Netherlands. He was grandson of King Radbon of the Frisians and was educated by the clergy where he grew up in Utrecht. During his growth and education he was reputed for wisdom and piety.
After being ordained a priest, he was charged by Bishop Ricfried with the responsibility of instructing converts. Around 825, he was chosen to succeed him as Bishop of Utrecht. St Frederick was zealous in his ministry as bishop. He sent missionaries – among them St Odulf – to the north of the country where paganism still flourished.
