Saint Cuthbert, born in 634 and passing in 687, finds his origins mired in debate; some believe he hailed from Ireland, others argue for Scottish roots. Yet, Bede, the esteemed historian, asserts his British heritage. Following the early loss of his parents, Cuthbert’s early years were spent shepherding, with a possible stint fighting the Mercians, before he embraced monastic life at Melrose Abbey.

In 661, Cuthbert, alongside St. Eata, ventured to Ripon Abbey, a creation of the abbot of Melrose. A shift in ownership to St. Wilfrid under King Alcfrid’s decree saw Cuthbert returning to Melrose in 662, soon ascending to the role of Prior. His dedication to spreading the Christian faith marked this period, intensifying when St. Colman, resisting the Council of Whitby’s endorsement of Roman liturgical norms, left for Ireland with many Lindisfarn monks. With St. Eata now bishop, Cuthbert became Lindisfarn’s Prior.

Cuthbert’s zeal for mission work resumed, drawing vast audiences until, seeking solitude, he retreated to hermitage – initially on a nearby island, later moving to the Farnes Islands near Bamburgh in 676. Despite his reluctance, 685 saw him ordained as bishop of Hexham; a swift arrangement with St. Eata allowed him to oversee Lindisfarn, this time excluding the monastic community.

The final years of his life were devoted to his diocesan duties, ministering to plague victims, performing healing miracles, and prophesying. Cuthbert’s death occurred at Lindisfarn, leaving behind a legacy commemorated on March 20, his feast day.

Photo credit: Ed Goodacre / Shutterstock.com
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10 COMMENTS

  1. no hac mucho que nuestro parroco nos hizo incapie en que leyeramos las vidas de los santos y gracias por compartirlas de acuerdo el santoral esto me facilita y ademas muy a doc con lo que me acaban de solicitar…….saludos

  2. Everliving God, who didst call thy servants Aidan and Cuthbert to proclaim the Gospel in northern England and endued them with loving hearts and gentle spirits: Grant us grace to live as they did, in simplicity, humility and love for the poor; through Jesus Christ, who came among us as one who serves, and who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

  3. St.Cuthbert, as your life took many turns, you NEVER doubted our Lord and God Jesus Christ!
    And so as I live my life I will Always Pray, Jesus take me to where I can do your Will!
    Even though life can be very difficult, I know you are Always with me!
    Praise to you Jesus Christ and let us Always give thanks for our Blessed Mother!

  4. PLEASE PRAY TO SAINT CUTHBERT, GOD, JESUS CHRIST, HOLY SPIRIT, MY SON, GUARDIAN ANGELS, FAMILIES, THE WORLD, MYSELF, SAINTS, ANGELS, PRIESTS, NUNS, FRIENDS, ENEMIES, THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS. AMEN

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