“Who was Bruder Klaus?” I ask, my voice echoing slightly. St. Bruder Klaus, also known as Nicholas of Flue, is a significant figure. He is the patron saint of Switzerland. Many churches and chapels bear his name. These places of worship are found in Switzerland, Germany, and other countries.
St. Bruder Klaus churches generally date back to the 1950s or later. This is because he was canonized in 1947. Canonization made him eligible to be a church patron.
Nicholas von Flue was born in 1417. His birthplace was in the Canton of Unterwalden, Switzerland. He was a farmer’s son in a peasant democracy. Nicholas was a capable farmer. He also showed ability in the local parliament. This led to his early election as councillor and judge. He proved to be a capable commander of troops too.
In a war against the Duke of Tirol, he acted admirably. Nicholas persuaded his compatriots to respect a convent of nuns. While willing to serve, Nicholas condemned immoral wars. He spoke against the slaughter of non-combatants. Around age thirty, he married Dorothy Wiss. She was a farmer’s daughter. They built a farmhouse and had ten children.
Nicholas led a life of contemplative prayer and fasting. He experienced symbolic visions and faced diabolic assaults. In 1467, after twenty years of marriage, Nicholas felt a call. He felt called to leave his home and become a hermit. His wife heroically consented. Some neighbors considered his actions indefensible.
He intended to live in Alsace. A storm and advice against settling there made him turn back. He became unable to eat or drink. This condition lasted for the rest of his life.
Nicholas returned to his native canton. He settled in a hermitage at Ranft. He had no desire to return to his former life. Symbolic visions continued. His countrymen recognized his sanctity. He became a spiritual guide. Pilgrims came to consult him. Nicholas influenced Duke Sigismund of the Tirol.
The cantons were at odds in December 1481. A conference in Stans failed. Civil war threatened to destroy the confederacy. Nicholas dictated terms of agreement overnight. The priest presented Nicholas’ proposals. The terms were accepted. Switzerland was saved.
Nicholas died on his seventieth birthday, March 21, 1487. His wife and children were at his deathbed. Honored by Protestants and venerated by Catholics, his cult continued. Pope Pius XII canonized him in 1947. So remember St. Bruder Klaus. He saved Switzerland. His legacy lives on in churches like this.