This elder Bede was a familiar companion of our saint, acquainted with the
existing
state of his affairs ; and, therefore, his presence was judged necessary, to remind the prelate of trusts, which might remain un-
" has it
of human
endure adversity.
" has it
of human
endure adversity.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v3
, March 20, p.
350.
successor of St. Cuthbert, in the See of Lin- disfarne, according to Bede's "HistoriaEc- clesiastica Gentis lib. v. i.
Baring-Gould's
Lives of
Anglorum," cap. Hedied,intheyear738,accordingto Matthew
monk of Lindisfarne. ^^ See Bede's Life, cap. xxix. , and Cap-
grave's Life, cap. xl.
'^ He afterwards succeeded St. Eadbert,
a
by contemporaneous
890 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
whichbroughthimtothevergeofdissolution. 5° Manyofhisfriendscameto
visit him, and amongst others, one, who said he brouglit with him bread,
which had been blessed by Cuthbert ; adding, also, that he believed, if it
were tasted by the sick man, with unwavering faith, it must prove the means
of restoring him to health. All those, who were present, being pious lay
persons, concurred in this opinion. A cup was filled with water, when a
small portion of bread was put in it. The sick man having drank, he felt
(juite restored. 5' At another time, when the saint was making a visitation,
through a mountainous and rural district, many from the surrounding villagers
werebrought,thathemightimposehandsonthem. Nochurchorplace
could be found, suitable for the bishop's habitation, and for that of his com-
panions, who were obliged to cut down branches of trees to erect tents, for
two days they remained here, whilst engaged in evangelizing and confirming
the people. Amongst others, there appeared two women, bearing a young man, wasted with a long sickness ; having laid him down on his bed, at an
entrance to a wood, they sent to request the bishop, that their helpless charge might be allowed to appear in his presence, for the purpose of receiving his benediction. This request was granted, and when Cuthbert invoked a
blessingonthepatient,hewasrestoredtohealth. Immediatelyrising,hepar- took of food, and, full of gratitude to God, he returned with the women, who hadbroughthimintothesaint'spresences* Aboutthissametime,agreat mortality prevailed, through all . the villages and towns in Lindisfarne diocese, sothat,inmanyinstances,thehouseswereleftdestituteofinhabitants. But, Cuthbert was not unmindful of a good pastor's duty, during the prevalence of this calamity. Having entered a certain village, which was called Medel- pong,53 ministering to the people's wants, he asked a priest, named Tidus,5-» who accompanied him, if he tiiought any remained, who had not availed themselves of the religious opportunities afforded them, as himself and his companions were about to leave for another station. 55 On looking around, a woman was observed in great affliction. Her son had just died, and she held another son in her arms, whose death was momentarily expected. Soon as the saint beheld her, he approached, and kissed tlie boy, while imparting
:
ablessing. Atthesametime,hesaidtothemother "Fearnot,fornoother
member of your family shall die during this plague. " The mother and her son lived, and for a long time afterwards, as authoritative vouchers for the
truth of this prediction. 5^
CHAPTER IV.
PROPHETIC WARNING OF CUTHBERT's APPROACHING DEATH—HIS VISION AT ABBESS ELFLEDA'S CONVENT—HE RETIRES TO LINDISFARNE, IN PREPARATION FOR HIS DEPARTURE—HIS LAST ILLNESS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS MONKS—ST. CUTH- BERT'S HOLY DEATH—DEPOSITION OF HIS REMAINS, AND VARIOUS REMOVALS OF HIS SHRINE—THE CATHEDRAL OF DURHAM—DESECRATION OF ST. CUTHBERT's SHRINE IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY—SUBSEQUENT EXPLORATIONS TO DISCOVER HIS REMAINS—CALENDAR COMMEMORATIONS, CHURCHES AND CHAPELS BUILT TO HONOUR HIM—WRITINGS AND MEMORIALS—CONCLUSION.
Our saint, having a presentiment of his approaching death, had desired a return to his solitude, that thus he might make preparation for his entrance
of Westminster. Menard treats of him, at ilie 6th of January ; the English Martyrology
his feast, at the 1 2th of February.
*9 See Bede's Life, cap. xxx.
so See "Acta Sanctorum," De Sancto
cap. ix. , sect. 49, pp. no, in.
5' See Bede's Life, cap. xxxi,, and Cap-
grave's Life, cap. xli.
sa See Bede's Life, cap. xxxii.
" So states the contemporaneous monk of
places
Cuthberto, &c. Vita Prima S. Cuthherti, Lindisfarne.
I^lARCH 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 891
tothejoysoftheblessed. Withsuchview,heundertookalastvisitationofhis churches and religious houses, that he might set all things in order, and give his final instructions to the faithful. Being thus engaged, he was asked by the Abbess Elfled, or Elfleda, to visit one of her properties, on which a church had been erected, but still wanting consecration. ^ Whilst our saint was seated at table, in the monastery of this Abbess, his mind was suddenly diverted from the viands before him, his colour changed, and his eyes assumed a peculiar brilliancy,whiletheknifehehelddroppedfromhishand. Apriestinwaiting, turning to the Abbess in a private manner, requested her to ask the bishop what he had seen ; adding, that he knew the saint must have had a vision, which others could not behold, on account of changes over his countenance and because of his trembling hands. Elfled preferred this request to him ; but,
wishing to conceal what had occurred, he said in a jocose manner, " Why
"
should I be able to eat the whole day ? Ought I not rest at last ?
Abbess still persisted in knowing the cause of this emotion, he at length
" I saw the soul of a certain holy man brought by Angels, to the glory
said
of heaven. " Elfled asked, from what place he was brought, and likewise his name. The saint replied, that he belonged to her own monastery, and that she herself would declare the name, when he was about to celebrate Mass. On hearing this, the lady sent to learn who had lately died in her monastery. On the following day she heard, that one of her shepherds, who was a pious man, had incautiously ascended a tree, from which he fell, being killed about the time Cuthbert had a vision of his translation to heaven. This shepherd's name was Hadunald,^ as the Abbess told Cuthbert, Avhile he was preparing to celebrate Mass, and engaged at offices for the dedication of a church. 3
:
Leaving this place, the saint came to a house of holy virgins, presided over
by the Abbess, Verca ,'^
and, this nunnery was situated, not far from the
mouthoftheRiver
asked what he would wish to drink wine and beer, in turn, having been offeredhim. But,hedesiredwater,whichwasaccordinglydrawnforhim,from a neighbouring fountain. Having blessed it, he drank a little, and then he passed the water to a priest, who was near, and who again returned it to the servant. This latter asked, if it were lawful for him to drink from a cup used by the bishop, and being told it was, he drank 3 but, to his taste, this water had the flavour of wine, and on calling another of his brethren to taste it, he also pronounced a like opinion. Then, a declaration was made, that they had never tasted wine of more superior flavour. One of these men after- wards became an inmate of a monastery, at the mouth of the River Vuiri. Venerable Bede testifies, that he received this account, from the lips of that brother ; but, he happened to be dead, at the time when Bede wrote our saint's biography. s Indeed, the spiritual labours and great miracles of this holy man were numerous and of an extraordinary character. ^ Having dis-
54 According to the account given by the contemporaneous monk of Lindisfarne.
S3 See Le Comte de Montalembert's "Les Moines d'Occident," tome iv. , liv. XV. , chap, i. , p. 419.
3 Bede's Life, cap. xxxiv. Capgrave's Life, cap. xliii.
* The name of this holy woman, as here given, is not to be found in the Martyrolo- gies. See, Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum
i.
Comte de Montalembert's "Les Moines
Life, cap.
Capgrave's
d! Occident/'
425, 426. '^
Hadpuald the Monk of
xv. , chap, i. , pp.
Fleurj''s
tique," tome ix. , liv. xl. , sect, xliii. , pp/
tome liv. iv. ,
^ See Abbe
" Ilistoire Ecclesias-
is the name
given
to him
lib. where this incident is related.
sect.
^ The Lindisfarne Monk that he states,
enjoyed the ministration and conversation of
Lindisfarne,
iv. ,
lo,
Tyne.
While —our
here, saint, complaining
of
thirst,
was
56 See Bede's Life, cap. xxxiii. , and Cap- liibernije," xx. Martii. Vita S. Cuthberti,
grave's Life, cap. xUi.
n. 27, p. 678.
s
Bede's Life, cap. xliv.
to
by 95 07.
Article
—— Chapter iv. 'See Le
xxxv.
As the
892 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
charged the duties of his episcopal office, for a term of two years, and finding his span of life about to close, Cuthbert resolved on abdicating the
pastoral charge, by retiring again to his place of retreat, there to engage more closelyincommunionwithGod. 7 Manyofhisbrethrencontinuedtovisit
him,whileinthisisland. Ononeparticularoccasion,whenthusvisited,after
giving his guests a suitable instruction, he requested them to partake of food, which he had provided for them, before their intended return. However, having provisions of their own, they did not use those, which were furnished by our saint. Having refreshed themselves, they prepared to embark, when a great storm arose, which detained them during seven days on his island. While waiting a safe opportunity to sail, they had frequent interviews with Cuthbert, who visited them on the seventh day, at a house, where they lodged. Onenteringit,hesawthatfowl,whichhehadrecommendedthem to eat, still untouched. Then playfully chiding them, for disobedience to his wishes, he insisted on their preparing it for food, promising also the sea should become so tranquil, as to afford them a safe return. On comply- ing with this request, the storm ceased, and those monks were enabled to leave. All particulars of this narrative. Venerable Bede gleaned from a holy priest, named Herefrid, who formed one of the company,^ and who was held in great respect for his piety. At that time, he was Abbot of Lindisfarne. 9
The solemn festival of our Lord's Nativity, a. d. - 686, being over, a band of monks, who had visited him, were about returning to the mainland. When Cuthbert stood with them on the sea-shore, a venerable monk, whose frame was weakened by dysentery, asked him, when they should again return. Our
His infirmity commenced on a Wednesday, and it terminated fatally on the sameday,'°havingcontinuedforthreeweeks. Beforethreedayshadelapsed, after the beginning of his sickness. Venerable Bede himself, with some of his brethren, visited Fame Island, for the purpose of receiving the holy man's blessing and admonitions. Having given a preconcerted sign, Cuthbert ap- proachedthewindow,andsigheddeeply; thenBedeinquired,ifillnesshad seized on him, during the night. Cuthbert having replied in the affirmative, Bede thought it must have been the return of a chronic complaint, under
saint, who had now a foreknowledge of death's near approach, said youshallbearmybodyhence. " Havingspentalmosttwomonths,practis- ing exercises of most rigorous penance, he was seized with a sudden illness.
which he laboured, and not a new sickness. He therefore said
:
" Give us
thybenediction,fornowitistimetosail,andreturnhomewards. " "Doas
you say," the holy prelate replied, "go on board, and return home, in safety.
But when God shall have received my soul, bury my body in this cell, close to my oratory, and towards the south, near the eastern side of that holy cross, which I have there erected. " Towards the northern part of this same oratory, there is a sarcophagus, buried in the earth, and which venerable Abbot Cudda"formerlygaveme; placemybodyinthis,wrappingitinfineUnen,
Angels, in his moments of solitude. See teries, to serve as sepulchral monuments for
*'
lib. iv. , sect, ii, p. 123. rum," tomus iii. Martii xx.
^
Acta Sancto- departed persons.
" Colgan remarks, that under this name
Bede's Life, cap. xxxvi. Life, cap. xlv.
Capgrave's
he has nothing to note, unless perhaps for Cudda we should rather substitute the read- ing of Ceadda. In this case, he thinks it may be the saint called Ceadda, who was abbot and bishop, and whose feast is at the 2nd day of March. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernioe," xx. Martii. Vita S. Cuthberti, n. 28, p. 678.
" Her convent was at Tynemouth, at the
s' See Bishop Challoner's " Britannia Sancta," part i. , March 20, p. 195.
'"See Abbe Fleury's "Histoire Eccle-
siastique," tome ix. , liv. xL, sect, xliii. ,
p. 97'
"
Christian custom of erecting crosses in ceme-
This mandate proves the antique
:
" When
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 893
which you shall here find. While living, I would not use it for clothing ; but, for reverence due the holy Abbess, "Verca,'3 who sent it to me, I have re- servedittoshroudmyremains. " Onhearingthesewords,Bedeinterrupted
him "Ibeseechyou,father,sinceIlearnyouareill,andabouttodie,that
:
you would permit some of the brothers to remain here, as your attendants. "
to this recommendation, the saint " Go now, but return at a only replied,
But,
convenient opportunity. '' Bede still endeavoured to urge on the holy bishop,
the necessity for accepting his proposal, but in vain ; then, he asked, when
"
When the Lord wills it, and signifies it to you. " Hereupon, Venerable Bede called the brethren together, and having entered the church, he ordered them to ofier up their prayers most earnestly for Cuthbert, whose words seemed to indicate, that the day of his dissolution had nearly arrived. Bede was anxious to return, on account of theholybishop'sinfirmity; but,astorm,whichlastedduringfivedays,pre- vented himself and his companions. This impediment he considers to have been providentially decreed, from events that followed. When the sea was calm,hereturnedtoFameIsland,withsomeofhisbrethren; and,therethey found, that our saint had left his cell, to visit the house, in which strangers were received by him. Some necessity requiring the return of his com- panions, Bede alone remained on Fame Island, ministering to all wants of the holy bishop. Having warmed some water, he washed a bleeding ulcer, onthefootofCuthbert; and,seeingfromhiscountenance,thatthesaintwas wasted with fasting and infirmity, Bede requested him to drink a little wine he had heated. These offices being performed, the holy man was placed in abed. Hisvenerablebiographerandfriend,thensittingbesidehim,remarks, that he appeared much worn with sickness, during the absence of himself and of his companions. He, also, expressed wonder, why Cuthbert refused to
they should return. Cuthbert said,
" Through the providence and will of God," he
receive proper attendance.
toincrease; wherefore,leavingmyhabitation,Icamehither,thatwhosoever approached to render me assistance might find me here, without being obliged to enter my cell. From the time my limbs reposed in this place, I moved not from it, for the last five days and nights, but I remained here in quiet. As often as I felt my mouth parched with thirst and dryness, I took care to refresh myself with this food," pointing to an onion, which was almost half consumed. Heresumed,"Myspiritualassaultswereneverstronger,during the whole time of my residence in this island, than during these last five days. " Bede did not venture to enquire more particularly, regarding the temptations of which he spoke, but only entreated him to receive some as- sistants. He consented, at length, and among the rehgious, who remained with him, was the Elder Bede,'^ a Priest, but, a distinct person from Cuthbert's biographer.
This elder Bede was a familiar companion of our saint, acquainted with the existing state of his affairs ; and, therefore, his presence was judged necessary, to remind the prelate of trusts, which might remain un-
" has it
of human
endure adversity. For, after you departed from me, my weakness continued
replied,
happened,
that
being deprived
assistance,
I
might
fulfilled, through a want of recollection.
embouchere of the River Tyne, which sepa- rated Deira from Bernicia, the two Nor- thumbrian provinces. See Le Comte de Montalembert's "Les Moines d'Occident," tome iv. , liv. xv,, chap, i. , pp, 427, 428, and n. 2.
He named another person, in a
unless he be a Bede, whom the people of
Genoa are said to venerate, at the loth of
April, and who was buried, in the monas-
tery of St. Benignus. See Arnold Wion's
'* He is
name occurring, in any of the Martyrologies,
as Colgan shows, from traditions and ac-
counts him, this man could regarding holy
not have been either the Elder Bede, here alluded to, nor the Venerable Bede, as some
Beda
Bede ; but, Colgan is not able to find his
styled,
Major, by
Venerable
"
Lignum Vitas," at that date. However,
894 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
special manner, to remain with him. This brother was suffering from dysenter}"-, whichbaffledtheskillofhisphysicians; but,beingamanofgreatprudence,
gravity and virtue, he was a faithful witness, regarding the closing actions of our saint's life. His biographer, Bede, leaving Fame Island, returned to the mainland. There he informed the monastic brothers, that Cuthbert
" It
pressed, of being interred on the island ; but, however, they thought it right to entreat him, that he should consent to have his remains afterwards trans-
expressed a wish to be buried on the island. He remarked, however seems to me better and more advisable, to obtain permission from him, that his body be transferred to this place, and here buried, with suitable honour, inthechurch. " Thisadvicewaswellreceived. VenerableBedewithothers returned and told the bishop, that they would not gainsay a desire he ex-
ferred to Lindisfarne. The saint dying
" Indeed, it was wish to my
replied :
depose my body in this isle, where whatever efforts I made for God were per-
formed. Here, 1 desire to end my course, and, hence, I hope the clement judge will raise me to a crown of justice ; and, for you, also, I think it better, that I rest here, on account of incursions to be feared from outcasts and enemies.
Again, perchance, many shall fly for refuge to my remains, as whatever I may be,famehasdivulgeditabroad,thatIamtheservantofChrist. Youmayoften be obliged to negotiate for my relics with princes, and therefore shall you suffer muchinconvenience,fromthepossessionofmybody. " Hisfriendsrepre- senting to him, with much earnestness, that a labour of this kind should prove
not but only light
Cuthbert after some
" If
you
visable, you should bury it in the church vaults, that you may be able to visit my tomb when you wish, and that others who come to you may enjoy the same privilege. " Tiiose, who heard him speak in this manner, thanked him for his permission and recommendation, on bended knees, and, then returning home, they renewed their visits, at intervals, to Fame Island. '^
When Cuthbert found the time of death approaching, with a rapid progress of his disease ; about the tliird hour, one day, he was removed, at his own re- quest, towards his cell and oratory. Amongst others, Bede assisted in bear- ing liim, for the holy man felt unable to walk. When they approached his cell door, the monks asked permission, that some of them might be allowed toremain,ashisassistants; althoughtheyknew,formanyyearspast,thesaint sufferednopersonbuthimself,toenterthishermitage. Lookingaroundhim, he saw a brother, named Vualchstod, or Walchstod,'^ and who lias been already spoken of, as wasted with dysentery. To him the saint granted this coveted permission. Having remained with the holy man, until the ninth
" Tlie
grateful,
wish to oppose my desires, and to take my body with you, it appears to me ad-
Vualchstod came out and called Venerable Bede,
saying : requirestliypresence; and,Icannowrelatetoyouawonderfuloccurrence, for, from the time I entered and touched the prelate, when leading him to the
oratory, I felt myself immediately relieved from every symptom of my long infirmity. " '7 On entering the oratory, about the nintli hour. Venerable Bede found holy Bishop Cuthbert before the altar, in a recumbent posture. Then, he entered into a conversation with Cutlibert, who spoke with great difficulty. Amongst other matters, the pious and learned ecclesiastic was solicitous to know, wliat would be the valedictory instructions of our saint, to his religious brethren. The servant of God then gave a few admonitions, with regard to the
hour,
bishop
considered him to have been. See Acta Sanctorum Hibemias," xx. Martii. Vita S.
See Dean Cressy's Church- History of Brittany," book xix. , chap, viii. , p. 472.
n.
•5 Bede's Life, cap. xxxvii. Capgrave's Life, cap. xlvii.
Capgravc's
Cuthbert! ,
29, p. 678. xlvi.
cap.
Life, cap.
"** "
'' Bede's Life,
xxxviii.
thought replied :
:
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 895 absolute necessity of preserving peace and humility, and of avoiding whatever
"
might be calculated to oppose these virtues.
Always preserve peace among and when necessity requires, that you take counsel regarding your state, be careful that you are unanimous in
opinion. With other servants of Christ, hold friendly intercourse, and, in a
great degree, esteem those as united to you in religion, Avho come to partake
ofyourhospitality; receive,entertain,anddismiss,inafamiliarandbenignant
manner, such persons, not conceiving yourselves to be superior to others of like faith and conversation. But, with those who differ from you, not observ-
ing the unity of Catholic peace, by not duly celebrating Easter at the proper time, or who live perversely, hold no communion. Know well, and bear in
memory,thatifnecessityurgeyou,tochoosebetweenopposinginterests; I had much rather, you should remove my bones from the tomb, and retire from
those parts, taking up your habitation, wherever it shall please God to appoint, than that, on any account, you should consent to iniquity, or bend your necks to a schismatical yoke. Continue to study and to observe the Catholic decrees of our fathers most diligently ; and, be you solicitous to practise those institutes of regular observance, which the Divine mercy has
deigned to give you, througli my ministry. For, I know, that although I lived inacontemptiblemanner,accordingtotheestimationofsomepersons; you shall see, however, after my death, such as I have been, that my precepts are
a silent manner, during the night. About the usual time for night prayer, VenerableBedeadministeredHolyViaticumandExtremeUnction. After- wards, raising his eyes to heaven and with uplifted hands, our saint's last
He
yourselves, and divine charity," said he,
"
not to be '^ With despised. "
on account of infirmities, he spoke such sentences ; and, with a calm expectation of future felicity, the evening of that day closed. His prayers were prolonged, but in
many interruptions,
increasing
breath was exhaled, in an attempt to give thanks to his Creator. '9
died, on the 20th of March—the day for his festival—and in the year of our
Lord, 686,^° 687,^^ or 688,^^ according to various writers.
Soon, Bede himself went out, to announce the holy bishop's death to his
brethren, who were then engaged, in a recital of the Eifty-ninth Psalm, whicli
:
commenceswiththesewords "Deusrepulistinos,etdestruxistinos iratus
:
es et misertus est nobis. " It must be remarked, that this Psalm occurs, at MatinsforWednesday,intheRomanBreviary\ and,asthisportionofthe
Divine Office was usually said by monks of strict observance, before the dawn of day, it is probable, our saint died about the same time, on the morning of the fourtla day of the week. Wit—hout delay, one of the brethren, taking two torches ^one light in either hand to an elevated part of the island, by this signal, he was enabled to announce the death of our saint, to the monks, who were livinginLindisfarnemonastery. Thebrother,whowasappointedtoobserve this telegraphic signal, from the tower of Lindisfarne, went immediately to its monastic church, where the monks had been engaged, reciting the matutinal office. It was a remarkable coincidence, that as he entered, the choir was engaged in reciting the Eifty-ninth Psalm, as in the former instance, their brethren had done so on the Island of Fame. The body of Cuthbert, being put on board a vessel, was conveyed to Lindisfarne. There, a great multitude
'^ See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. iii. , March 20, p. 355.
'9 See Bede's Life, grave's Life, cap. xlviii. , xlix.
xxxix.
Cap-
" See Rev. Dr. *' Ecclesiastical Lanigan's
cap.
History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xviii. , ^° According to Sir James Ware, " De sect, iv. , p. 89. This is the true date for
Scriptoribus Hibernian," lib. i. , cap. iii. , p. his death.
31. See, also, Harris' Ware's Works, vol. " See Dempsters " Historia Ecclesiastica
iii. , Writers of Ireland, book i. , chap, iv. , p. 43.
896 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
of people, and a full choir of religious, chaunting Psalms, received it with due reverence and solemnity. It was afterwards consigned to a sarcophagus of stone, which was placed to the right of St. Peter's altar. =3 Bede relates, that a demoniac was restored, by having a portion of the water, that touched the body of our saint, poured into his mouth ; and, he observes, likewise, that a well was shown, near the southern part of the church, where Cuthbert's relicsreposed. ^* Manywereherecured,fromthattimeforward,asthewater alreadyspokenofhadbeenpreservedthere; while,anelegantframeworkof wood surrounded this well, which had its margin formed of small stones. ^5
Eleven '^^ afterthedeathofthis years
whenitwas his supposed
holy man,
remains had crumbled into dust, the monks of Lindisfame determined on ex-
huming his body, so that it might be placed in a shrine, and over that pavement, under which it had previously lain. This design was approved, by Bishop Eadbert, who had ordered the exhumation to take place, on the 20th of
March,a. d. 698. Onopeningthetomb,Cuthbert'sbodywasnotonlyfound whole,buteventhesaintappearedrathertobesleepingthandead; thevery garments, in which he had been shrouded, preserving an air of freshness. At this time, holy Bishop Eadbert was spending the time of Lent, in a place re- mote from the monastery, engaged at exercises of penance and prayer, accord- ing to the manner of his venerable predecessor, Cuthbert. Most probably, he was on the Island of Fame ; for, it is remarked, by Bede, that he was svirrounded by the sea-waves. But, the brethren, who were present at Cuth- bert's disentombment, admiring these miraculous appearances presented to their view, removed a portion of the shrouding which covered the body, as a present for Bishop Eadbert. Through reverence, however, they dared not removethatcovering,whichadheredmoreimmediatelytohisbody. When the holy bishop beheld this relic presented to him, he kissed it with great reverence, and instructed the brethren, to procure a new covering for Cuth- bert's remains, before placing them in the shrine, and to use the cloth instead of that shroud, which had been removed. He predicted, also, the great honour, which Lindisfarne was destined to enjoy, in after time, on account of this miracle. Soon, the brethren of the monastery, acting on their holy prelate's instnictions, put a new shroud around the body of our saint. After- wards, they placed it within a shrine, above the pavement. ''? Eadbert, who did not long survive this occurrence, was laid in the former tomb of Cuthbert. The shrine of this latter saint was placed over his body. ^^
The signs and wonders of Cuthbert's sanctity seemed to increase, even
afterhisremainshadbeendepositedinthetomb. VenerableBederelates
some miracles, which in his time were wrought at Lindisfarne, through the merits and intercession of this great servant of God. These narratives may
be found, in the forty-fourth, forty-fifth and forty-sixth chapters, which close his Life of St. Cuthbert. Capgrave adds considerably to this record, and
he gives us a very interesting account of Lindisfarne's subsequent histor}', from the fifty-third to the ninety-fifth, and last chapter, in his biography of our saint. We must rest satisfied, by merely referring the reader to these particulars, on account of the considerable length, to which our notices of St. Cuthbert have already extended. In passing to other topics, however,
Gentis Scotorum," tomus i. , lib. iii. , num. xx. Tertia Vita, lib. iv. , sect. 15, p. 124.
334, p. 136.
"3 Bede's Life of St. Cuthbert, cap. xl.
' Most likely, this is the miracle alluded
to in the Life of our saint, attributed to a coeval monk, as published in the BoUan- dists' " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. , Martii
*s Bede's Life, cap. xli.
^ See Bishop Challoner's " Britannia Sancta," part i. , March 20, p. 196.
•^ Bede's Life, caji. xlii. Capgrave's Life, cap. 1.
"^ Bede's Life, cap. xliii.
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 897
we might remark on the great works done, through the religious foundation of
Lindistarne, from a missionary point of view. ^9
About 793,3° the Danes made a descent upon Lindisfame, when the monas-
tery was nearly destroyed. 3' The monks had removed the remains of St. Cuth-
bert, and then, they fled with them into Scotland. s^ They went westwards to '
Whithern, in Galloway ; but, when they sought to escape into Ireland, they were driven back by a furious tempest. The relics were afterwards moved to Norham, and thence to Melrose. Here they were kept, but only for a short time The body, enclosed in a stone coffin, was launched upon the Tweed, andthenconveyedtoTilmouth,inNorthumberland. 33 Infine,therelicsof St. Cuthbert were deposited, a. d. 999, by Bishop Aldhune,34 on a steep
in the form of a
plateau, horse-shoe,
had been
where a ThisplacewascalledDurham,3^andatpresent,itsgorgeousCathedrals? a
of Irish —architecture on a
development Romanesque magnificent scale,
with later Gothic introductions ot style dominates high over the River Wear, the intermediatebankbeingcoveredwithabeltoflargeascendingtrees. 3^ This remarkablebuildingwaserectedin1080;'9 but,ithassinceundergonevarious modifications. '*" Two grand towers, five naves, and two transepts,^^ rise
beside the former episcopal palace, for to Durham was transferred the See of Lindisfarne, after the relics ot our saint had been there permanently en-
*9 This is strongly represented, in the History written by Mr, Bright, of Oxford.
Chester-le- Street and Rippon saw His holy corpse ere Wardilaw
Hail'd him with joy and fear ;
And after many wanderings past. He chose his lordly seat at last. Where his Cathedral huge and vast
Looks down upon the Wear.
There deep in Durham's Gothic shade His relics are in secret laid. "
3* This Translation was commemorated,
on the 4th of September, at which day a notice of it will be found in this work.
"
35 See Britton's
Towns, Castles, Antiquities. Nobility, Gentry. " It contains a map and plates,
3° See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxvi. , sect, xxvi. , p. 308.
3' bee " Chronicles of St. Colman, and of St. Colman's, Farahy, Diocese of Cloyne. " By Rev, Courtenay Moore, M. A. , Incum- bent, part i.
successor of St. Cuthbert, in the See of Lin- disfarne, according to Bede's "HistoriaEc- clesiastica Gentis lib. v. i.
Baring-Gould's
Lives of
Anglorum," cap. Hedied,intheyear738,accordingto Matthew
monk of Lindisfarne. ^^ See Bede's Life, cap. xxix. , and Cap-
grave's Life, cap. xl.
'^ He afterwards succeeded St. Eadbert,
a
by contemporaneous
890 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
whichbroughthimtothevergeofdissolution. 5° Manyofhisfriendscameto
visit him, and amongst others, one, who said he brouglit with him bread,
which had been blessed by Cuthbert ; adding, also, that he believed, if it
were tasted by the sick man, with unwavering faith, it must prove the means
of restoring him to health. All those, who were present, being pious lay
persons, concurred in this opinion. A cup was filled with water, when a
small portion of bread was put in it. The sick man having drank, he felt
(juite restored. 5' At another time, when the saint was making a visitation,
through a mountainous and rural district, many from the surrounding villagers
werebrought,thathemightimposehandsonthem. Nochurchorplace
could be found, suitable for the bishop's habitation, and for that of his com-
panions, who were obliged to cut down branches of trees to erect tents, for
two days they remained here, whilst engaged in evangelizing and confirming
the people. Amongst others, there appeared two women, bearing a young man, wasted with a long sickness ; having laid him down on his bed, at an
entrance to a wood, they sent to request the bishop, that their helpless charge might be allowed to appear in his presence, for the purpose of receiving his benediction. This request was granted, and when Cuthbert invoked a
blessingonthepatient,hewasrestoredtohealth. Immediatelyrising,hepar- took of food, and, full of gratitude to God, he returned with the women, who hadbroughthimintothesaint'spresences* Aboutthissametime,agreat mortality prevailed, through all . the villages and towns in Lindisfarne diocese, sothat,inmanyinstances,thehouseswereleftdestituteofinhabitants. But, Cuthbert was not unmindful of a good pastor's duty, during the prevalence of this calamity. Having entered a certain village, which was called Medel- pong,53 ministering to the people's wants, he asked a priest, named Tidus,5-» who accompanied him, if he tiiought any remained, who had not availed themselves of the religious opportunities afforded them, as himself and his companions were about to leave for another station. 55 On looking around, a woman was observed in great affliction. Her son had just died, and she held another son in her arms, whose death was momentarily expected. Soon as the saint beheld her, he approached, and kissed tlie boy, while imparting
:
ablessing. Atthesametime,hesaidtothemother "Fearnot,fornoother
member of your family shall die during this plague. " The mother and her son lived, and for a long time afterwards, as authoritative vouchers for the
truth of this prediction. 5^
CHAPTER IV.
PROPHETIC WARNING OF CUTHBERT's APPROACHING DEATH—HIS VISION AT ABBESS ELFLEDA'S CONVENT—HE RETIRES TO LINDISFARNE, IN PREPARATION FOR HIS DEPARTURE—HIS LAST ILLNESS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS MONKS—ST. CUTH- BERT'S HOLY DEATH—DEPOSITION OF HIS REMAINS, AND VARIOUS REMOVALS OF HIS SHRINE—THE CATHEDRAL OF DURHAM—DESECRATION OF ST. CUTHBERT's SHRINE IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY—SUBSEQUENT EXPLORATIONS TO DISCOVER HIS REMAINS—CALENDAR COMMEMORATIONS, CHURCHES AND CHAPELS BUILT TO HONOUR HIM—WRITINGS AND MEMORIALS—CONCLUSION.
Our saint, having a presentiment of his approaching death, had desired a return to his solitude, that thus he might make preparation for his entrance
of Westminster. Menard treats of him, at ilie 6th of January ; the English Martyrology
his feast, at the 1 2th of February.
*9 See Bede's Life, cap. xxx.
so See "Acta Sanctorum," De Sancto
cap. ix. , sect. 49, pp. no, in.
5' See Bede's Life, cap. xxxi,, and Cap-
grave's Life, cap. xli.
sa See Bede's Life, cap. xxxii.
" So states the contemporaneous monk of
places
Cuthberto, &c. Vita Prima S. Cuthherti, Lindisfarne.
I^lARCH 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 891
tothejoysoftheblessed. Withsuchview,heundertookalastvisitationofhis churches and religious houses, that he might set all things in order, and give his final instructions to the faithful. Being thus engaged, he was asked by the Abbess Elfled, or Elfleda, to visit one of her properties, on which a church had been erected, but still wanting consecration. ^ Whilst our saint was seated at table, in the monastery of this Abbess, his mind was suddenly diverted from the viands before him, his colour changed, and his eyes assumed a peculiar brilliancy,whiletheknifehehelddroppedfromhishand. Apriestinwaiting, turning to the Abbess in a private manner, requested her to ask the bishop what he had seen ; adding, that he knew the saint must have had a vision, which others could not behold, on account of changes over his countenance and because of his trembling hands. Elfled preferred this request to him ; but,
wishing to conceal what had occurred, he said in a jocose manner, " Why
"
should I be able to eat the whole day ? Ought I not rest at last ?
Abbess still persisted in knowing the cause of this emotion, he at length
" I saw the soul of a certain holy man brought by Angels, to the glory
said
of heaven. " Elfled asked, from what place he was brought, and likewise his name. The saint replied, that he belonged to her own monastery, and that she herself would declare the name, when he was about to celebrate Mass. On hearing this, the lady sent to learn who had lately died in her monastery. On the following day she heard, that one of her shepherds, who was a pious man, had incautiously ascended a tree, from which he fell, being killed about the time Cuthbert had a vision of his translation to heaven. This shepherd's name was Hadunald,^ as the Abbess told Cuthbert, Avhile he was preparing to celebrate Mass, and engaged at offices for the dedication of a church. 3
:
Leaving this place, the saint came to a house of holy virgins, presided over
by the Abbess, Verca ,'^
and, this nunnery was situated, not far from the
mouthoftheRiver
asked what he would wish to drink wine and beer, in turn, having been offeredhim. But,hedesiredwater,whichwasaccordinglydrawnforhim,from a neighbouring fountain. Having blessed it, he drank a little, and then he passed the water to a priest, who was near, and who again returned it to the servant. This latter asked, if it were lawful for him to drink from a cup used by the bishop, and being told it was, he drank 3 but, to his taste, this water had the flavour of wine, and on calling another of his brethren to taste it, he also pronounced a like opinion. Then, a declaration was made, that they had never tasted wine of more superior flavour. One of these men after- wards became an inmate of a monastery, at the mouth of the River Vuiri. Venerable Bede testifies, that he received this account, from the lips of that brother ; but, he happened to be dead, at the time when Bede wrote our saint's biography. s Indeed, the spiritual labours and great miracles of this holy man were numerous and of an extraordinary character. ^ Having dis-
54 According to the account given by the contemporaneous monk of Lindisfarne.
S3 See Le Comte de Montalembert's "Les Moines d'Occident," tome iv. , liv. XV. , chap, i. , p. 419.
3 Bede's Life, cap. xxxiv. Capgrave's Life, cap. xliii.
* The name of this holy woman, as here given, is not to be found in the Martyrolo- gies. See, Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum
i.
Comte de Montalembert's "Les Moines
Life, cap.
Capgrave's
d! Occident/'
425, 426. '^
Hadpuald the Monk of
xv. , chap, i. , pp.
Fleurj''s
tique," tome ix. , liv. xl. , sect, xliii. , pp/
tome liv. iv. ,
^ See Abbe
" Ilistoire Ecclesias-
is the name
given
to him
lib. where this incident is related.
sect.
^ The Lindisfarne Monk that he states,
enjoyed the ministration and conversation of
Lindisfarne,
iv. ,
lo,
Tyne.
While —our
here, saint, complaining
of
thirst,
was
56 See Bede's Life, cap. xxxiii. , and Cap- liibernije," xx. Martii. Vita S. Cuthberti,
grave's Life, cap. xUi.
n. 27, p. 678.
s
Bede's Life, cap. xliv.
to
by 95 07.
Article
—— Chapter iv. 'See Le
xxxv.
As the
892 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
charged the duties of his episcopal office, for a term of two years, and finding his span of life about to close, Cuthbert resolved on abdicating the
pastoral charge, by retiring again to his place of retreat, there to engage more closelyincommunionwithGod. 7 Manyofhisbrethrencontinuedtovisit
him,whileinthisisland. Ononeparticularoccasion,whenthusvisited,after
giving his guests a suitable instruction, he requested them to partake of food, which he had provided for them, before their intended return. However, having provisions of their own, they did not use those, which were furnished by our saint. Having refreshed themselves, they prepared to embark, when a great storm arose, which detained them during seven days on his island. While waiting a safe opportunity to sail, they had frequent interviews with Cuthbert, who visited them on the seventh day, at a house, where they lodged. Onenteringit,hesawthatfowl,whichhehadrecommendedthem to eat, still untouched. Then playfully chiding them, for disobedience to his wishes, he insisted on their preparing it for food, promising also the sea should become so tranquil, as to afford them a safe return. On comply- ing with this request, the storm ceased, and those monks were enabled to leave. All particulars of this narrative. Venerable Bede gleaned from a holy priest, named Herefrid, who formed one of the company,^ and who was held in great respect for his piety. At that time, he was Abbot of Lindisfarne. 9
The solemn festival of our Lord's Nativity, a. d. - 686, being over, a band of monks, who had visited him, were about returning to the mainland. When Cuthbert stood with them on the sea-shore, a venerable monk, whose frame was weakened by dysentery, asked him, when they should again return. Our
His infirmity commenced on a Wednesday, and it terminated fatally on the sameday,'°havingcontinuedforthreeweeks. Beforethreedayshadelapsed, after the beginning of his sickness. Venerable Bede himself, with some of his brethren, visited Fame Island, for the purpose of receiving the holy man's blessing and admonitions. Having given a preconcerted sign, Cuthbert ap- proachedthewindow,andsigheddeeply; thenBedeinquired,ifillnesshad seized on him, during the night. Cuthbert having replied in the affirmative, Bede thought it must have been the return of a chronic complaint, under
saint, who had now a foreknowledge of death's near approach, said youshallbearmybodyhence. " Havingspentalmosttwomonths,practis- ing exercises of most rigorous penance, he was seized with a sudden illness.
which he laboured, and not a new sickness. He therefore said
:
" Give us
thybenediction,fornowitistimetosail,andreturnhomewards. " "Doas
you say," the holy prelate replied, "go on board, and return home, in safety.
But when God shall have received my soul, bury my body in this cell, close to my oratory, and towards the south, near the eastern side of that holy cross, which I have there erected. " Towards the northern part of this same oratory, there is a sarcophagus, buried in the earth, and which venerable Abbot Cudda"formerlygaveme; placemybodyinthis,wrappingitinfineUnen,
Angels, in his moments of solitude. See teries, to serve as sepulchral monuments for
*'
lib. iv. , sect, ii, p. 123. rum," tomus iii. Martii xx.
^
Acta Sancto- departed persons.
" Colgan remarks, that under this name
Bede's Life, cap. xxxvi. Life, cap. xlv.
Capgrave's
he has nothing to note, unless perhaps for Cudda we should rather substitute the read- ing of Ceadda. In this case, he thinks it may be the saint called Ceadda, who was abbot and bishop, and whose feast is at the 2nd day of March. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernioe," xx. Martii. Vita S. Cuthberti, n. 28, p. 678.
" Her convent was at Tynemouth, at the
s' See Bishop Challoner's " Britannia Sancta," part i. , March 20, p. 195.
'"See Abbe Fleury's "Histoire Eccle-
siastique," tome ix. , liv. xL, sect, xliii. ,
p. 97'
"
Christian custom of erecting crosses in ceme-
This mandate proves the antique
:
" When
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 893
which you shall here find. While living, I would not use it for clothing ; but, for reverence due the holy Abbess, "Verca,'3 who sent it to me, I have re- servedittoshroudmyremains. " Onhearingthesewords,Bedeinterrupted
him "Ibeseechyou,father,sinceIlearnyouareill,andabouttodie,that
:
you would permit some of the brothers to remain here, as your attendants. "
to this recommendation, the saint " Go now, but return at a only replied,
But,
convenient opportunity. '' Bede still endeavoured to urge on the holy bishop,
the necessity for accepting his proposal, but in vain ; then, he asked, when
"
When the Lord wills it, and signifies it to you. " Hereupon, Venerable Bede called the brethren together, and having entered the church, he ordered them to ofier up their prayers most earnestly for Cuthbert, whose words seemed to indicate, that the day of his dissolution had nearly arrived. Bede was anxious to return, on account of theholybishop'sinfirmity; but,astorm,whichlastedduringfivedays,pre- vented himself and his companions. This impediment he considers to have been providentially decreed, from events that followed. When the sea was calm,hereturnedtoFameIsland,withsomeofhisbrethren; and,therethey found, that our saint had left his cell, to visit the house, in which strangers were received by him. Some necessity requiring the return of his com- panions, Bede alone remained on Fame Island, ministering to all wants of the holy bishop. Having warmed some water, he washed a bleeding ulcer, onthefootofCuthbert; and,seeingfromhiscountenance,thatthesaintwas wasted with fasting and infirmity, Bede requested him to drink a little wine he had heated. These offices being performed, the holy man was placed in abed. Hisvenerablebiographerandfriend,thensittingbesidehim,remarks, that he appeared much worn with sickness, during the absence of himself and of his companions. He, also, expressed wonder, why Cuthbert refused to
they should return. Cuthbert said,
" Through the providence and will of God," he
receive proper attendance.
toincrease; wherefore,leavingmyhabitation,Icamehither,thatwhosoever approached to render me assistance might find me here, without being obliged to enter my cell. From the time my limbs reposed in this place, I moved not from it, for the last five days and nights, but I remained here in quiet. As often as I felt my mouth parched with thirst and dryness, I took care to refresh myself with this food," pointing to an onion, which was almost half consumed. Heresumed,"Myspiritualassaultswereneverstronger,during the whole time of my residence in this island, than during these last five days. " Bede did not venture to enquire more particularly, regarding the temptations of which he spoke, but only entreated him to receive some as- sistants. He consented, at length, and among the rehgious, who remained with him, was the Elder Bede,'^ a Priest, but, a distinct person from Cuthbert's biographer.
This elder Bede was a familiar companion of our saint, acquainted with the existing state of his affairs ; and, therefore, his presence was judged necessary, to remind the prelate of trusts, which might remain un-
" has it
of human
endure adversity. For, after you departed from me, my weakness continued
replied,
happened,
that
being deprived
assistance,
I
might
fulfilled, through a want of recollection.
embouchere of the River Tyne, which sepa- rated Deira from Bernicia, the two Nor- thumbrian provinces. See Le Comte de Montalembert's "Les Moines d'Occident," tome iv. , liv. xv,, chap, i. , pp, 427, 428, and n. 2.
He named another person, in a
unless he be a Bede, whom the people of
Genoa are said to venerate, at the loth of
April, and who was buried, in the monas-
tery of St. Benignus. See Arnold Wion's
'* He is
name occurring, in any of the Martyrologies,
as Colgan shows, from traditions and ac-
counts him, this man could regarding holy
not have been either the Elder Bede, here alluded to, nor the Venerable Bede, as some
Beda
Bede ; but, Colgan is not able to find his
styled,
Major, by
Venerable
"
Lignum Vitas," at that date. However,
894 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
special manner, to remain with him. This brother was suffering from dysenter}"-, whichbaffledtheskillofhisphysicians; but,beingamanofgreatprudence,
gravity and virtue, he was a faithful witness, regarding the closing actions of our saint's life. His biographer, Bede, leaving Fame Island, returned to the mainland. There he informed the monastic brothers, that Cuthbert
" It
pressed, of being interred on the island ; but, however, they thought it right to entreat him, that he should consent to have his remains afterwards trans-
expressed a wish to be buried on the island. He remarked, however seems to me better and more advisable, to obtain permission from him, that his body be transferred to this place, and here buried, with suitable honour, inthechurch. " Thisadvicewaswellreceived. VenerableBedewithothers returned and told the bishop, that they would not gainsay a desire he ex-
ferred to Lindisfarne. The saint dying
" Indeed, it was wish to my
replied :
depose my body in this isle, where whatever efforts I made for God were per-
formed. Here, 1 desire to end my course, and, hence, I hope the clement judge will raise me to a crown of justice ; and, for you, also, I think it better, that I rest here, on account of incursions to be feared from outcasts and enemies.
Again, perchance, many shall fly for refuge to my remains, as whatever I may be,famehasdivulgeditabroad,thatIamtheservantofChrist. Youmayoften be obliged to negotiate for my relics with princes, and therefore shall you suffer muchinconvenience,fromthepossessionofmybody. " Hisfriendsrepre- senting to him, with much earnestness, that a labour of this kind should prove
not but only light
Cuthbert after some
" If
you
visable, you should bury it in the church vaults, that you may be able to visit my tomb when you wish, and that others who come to you may enjoy the same privilege. " Tiiose, who heard him speak in this manner, thanked him for his permission and recommendation, on bended knees, and, then returning home, they renewed their visits, at intervals, to Fame Island. '^
When Cuthbert found the time of death approaching, with a rapid progress of his disease ; about the tliird hour, one day, he was removed, at his own re- quest, towards his cell and oratory. Amongst others, Bede assisted in bear- ing liim, for the holy man felt unable to walk. When they approached his cell door, the monks asked permission, that some of them might be allowed toremain,ashisassistants; althoughtheyknew,formanyyearspast,thesaint sufferednopersonbuthimself,toenterthishermitage. Lookingaroundhim, he saw a brother, named Vualchstod, or Walchstod,'^ and who lias been already spoken of, as wasted with dysentery. To him the saint granted this coveted permission. Having remained with the holy man, until the ninth
" Tlie
grateful,
wish to oppose my desires, and to take my body with you, it appears to me ad-
Vualchstod came out and called Venerable Bede,
saying : requirestliypresence; and,Icannowrelatetoyouawonderfuloccurrence, for, from the time I entered and touched the prelate, when leading him to the
oratory, I felt myself immediately relieved from every symptom of my long infirmity. " '7 On entering the oratory, about the nintli hour. Venerable Bede found holy Bishop Cuthbert before the altar, in a recumbent posture. Then, he entered into a conversation with Cutlibert, who spoke with great difficulty. Amongst other matters, the pious and learned ecclesiastic was solicitous to know, wliat would be the valedictory instructions of our saint, to his religious brethren. The servant of God then gave a few admonitions, with regard to the
hour,
bishop
considered him to have been. See Acta Sanctorum Hibemias," xx. Martii. Vita S.
See Dean Cressy's Church- History of Brittany," book xix. , chap, viii. , p. 472.
n.
•5 Bede's Life, cap. xxxvii. Capgrave's Life, cap. xlvii.
Capgravc's
Cuthbert! ,
29, p. 678. xlvi.
cap.
Life, cap.
"** "
'' Bede's Life,
xxxviii.
thought replied :
:
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 895 absolute necessity of preserving peace and humility, and of avoiding whatever
"
might be calculated to oppose these virtues.
Always preserve peace among and when necessity requires, that you take counsel regarding your state, be careful that you are unanimous in
opinion. With other servants of Christ, hold friendly intercourse, and, in a
great degree, esteem those as united to you in religion, Avho come to partake
ofyourhospitality; receive,entertain,anddismiss,inafamiliarandbenignant
manner, such persons, not conceiving yourselves to be superior to others of like faith and conversation. But, with those who differ from you, not observ-
ing the unity of Catholic peace, by not duly celebrating Easter at the proper time, or who live perversely, hold no communion. Know well, and bear in
memory,thatifnecessityurgeyou,tochoosebetweenopposinginterests; I had much rather, you should remove my bones from the tomb, and retire from
those parts, taking up your habitation, wherever it shall please God to appoint, than that, on any account, you should consent to iniquity, or bend your necks to a schismatical yoke. Continue to study and to observe the Catholic decrees of our fathers most diligently ; and, be you solicitous to practise those institutes of regular observance, which the Divine mercy has
deigned to give you, througli my ministry. For, I know, that although I lived inacontemptiblemanner,accordingtotheestimationofsomepersons; you shall see, however, after my death, such as I have been, that my precepts are
a silent manner, during the night. About the usual time for night prayer, VenerableBedeadministeredHolyViaticumandExtremeUnction. After- wards, raising his eyes to heaven and with uplifted hands, our saint's last
He
yourselves, and divine charity," said he,
"
not to be '^ With despised. "
on account of infirmities, he spoke such sentences ; and, with a calm expectation of future felicity, the evening of that day closed. His prayers were prolonged, but in
many interruptions,
increasing
breath was exhaled, in an attempt to give thanks to his Creator. '9
died, on the 20th of March—the day for his festival—and in the year of our
Lord, 686,^° 687,^^ or 688,^^ according to various writers.
Soon, Bede himself went out, to announce the holy bishop's death to his
brethren, who were then engaged, in a recital of the Eifty-ninth Psalm, whicli
:
commenceswiththesewords "Deusrepulistinos,etdestruxistinos iratus
:
es et misertus est nobis. " It must be remarked, that this Psalm occurs, at MatinsforWednesday,intheRomanBreviary\ and,asthisportionofthe
Divine Office was usually said by monks of strict observance, before the dawn of day, it is probable, our saint died about the same time, on the morning of the fourtla day of the week. Wit—hout delay, one of the brethren, taking two torches ^one light in either hand to an elevated part of the island, by this signal, he was enabled to announce the death of our saint, to the monks, who were livinginLindisfarnemonastery. Thebrother,whowasappointedtoobserve this telegraphic signal, from the tower of Lindisfarne, went immediately to its monastic church, where the monks had been engaged, reciting the matutinal office. It was a remarkable coincidence, that as he entered, the choir was engaged in reciting the Eifty-ninth Psalm, as in the former instance, their brethren had done so on the Island of Fame. The body of Cuthbert, being put on board a vessel, was conveyed to Lindisfarne. There, a great multitude
'^ See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. iii. , March 20, p. 355.
'9 See Bede's Life, grave's Life, cap. xlviii. , xlix.
xxxix.
Cap-
" See Rev. Dr. *' Ecclesiastical Lanigan's
cap.
History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xviii. , ^° According to Sir James Ware, " De sect, iv. , p. 89. This is the true date for
Scriptoribus Hibernian," lib. i. , cap. iii. , p. his death.
31. See, also, Harris' Ware's Works, vol. " See Dempsters " Historia Ecclesiastica
iii. , Writers of Ireland, book i. , chap, iv. , p. 43.
896 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 20.
of people, and a full choir of religious, chaunting Psalms, received it with due reverence and solemnity. It was afterwards consigned to a sarcophagus of stone, which was placed to the right of St. Peter's altar. =3 Bede relates, that a demoniac was restored, by having a portion of the water, that touched the body of our saint, poured into his mouth ; and, he observes, likewise, that a well was shown, near the southern part of the church, where Cuthbert's relicsreposed. ^* Manywereherecured,fromthattimeforward,asthewater alreadyspokenofhadbeenpreservedthere; while,anelegantframeworkof wood surrounded this well, which had its margin formed of small stones. ^5
Eleven '^^ afterthedeathofthis years
whenitwas his supposed
holy man,
remains had crumbled into dust, the monks of Lindisfame determined on ex-
huming his body, so that it might be placed in a shrine, and over that pavement, under which it had previously lain. This design was approved, by Bishop Eadbert, who had ordered the exhumation to take place, on the 20th of
March,a. d. 698. Onopeningthetomb,Cuthbert'sbodywasnotonlyfound whole,buteventhesaintappearedrathertobesleepingthandead; thevery garments, in which he had been shrouded, preserving an air of freshness. At this time, holy Bishop Eadbert was spending the time of Lent, in a place re- mote from the monastery, engaged at exercises of penance and prayer, accord- ing to the manner of his venerable predecessor, Cuthbert. Most probably, he was on the Island of Fame ; for, it is remarked, by Bede, that he was svirrounded by the sea-waves. But, the brethren, who were present at Cuth- bert's disentombment, admiring these miraculous appearances presented to their view, removed a portion of the shrouding which covered the body, as a present for Bishop Eadbert. Through reverence, however, they dared not removethatcovering,whichadheredmoreimmediatelytohisbody. When the holy bishop beheld this relic presented to him, he kissed it with great reverence, and instructed the brethren, to procure a new covering for Cuth- bert's remains, before placing them in the shrine, and to use the cloth instead of that shroud, which had been removed. He predicted, also, the great honour, which Lindisfarne was destined to enjoy, in after time, on account of this miracle. Soon, the brethren of the monastery, acting on their holy prelate's instnictions, put a new shroud around the body of our saint. After- wards, they placed it within a shrine, above the pavement. ''? Eadbert, who did not long survive this occurrence, was laid in the former tomb of Cuthbert. The shrine of this latter saint was placed over his body. ^^
The signs and wonders of Cuthbert's sanctity seemed to increase, even
afterhisremainshadbeendepositedinthetomb. VenerableBederelates
some miracles, which in his time were wrought at Lindisfarne, through the merits and intercession of this great servant of God. These narratives may
be found, in the forty-fourth, forty-fifth and forty-sixth chapters, which close his Life of St. Cuthbert. Capgrave adds considerably to this record, and
he gives us a very interesting account of Lindisfarne's subsequent histor}', from the fifty-third to the ninety-fifth, and last chapter, in his biography of our saint. We must rest satisfied, by merely referring the reader to these particulars, on account of the considerable length, to which our notices of St. Cuthbert have already extended. In passing to other topics, however,
Gentis Scotorum," tomus i. , lib. iii. , num. xx. Tertia Vita, lib. iv. , sect. 15, p. 124.
334, p. 136.
"3 Bede's Life of St. Cuthbert, cap. xl.
' Most likely, this is the miracle alluded
to in the Life of our saint, attributed to a coeval monk, as published in the BoUan- dists' " Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. , Martii
*s Bede's Life, cap. xli.
^ See Bishop Challoner's " Britannia Sancta," part i. , March 20, p. 196.
•^ Bede's Life, caji. xlii. Capgrave's Life, cap. 1.
"^ Bede's Life, cap. xliii.
March 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 897
we might remark on the great works done, through the religious foundation of
Lindistarne, from a missionary point of view. ^9
About 793,3° the Danes made a descent upon Lindisfame, when the monas-
tery was nearly destroyed. 3' The monks had removed the remains of St. Cuth-
bert, and then, they fled with them into Scotland. s^ They went westwards to '
Whithern, in Galloway ; but, when they sought to escape into Ireland, they were driven back by a furious tempest. The relics were afterwards moved to Norham, and thence to Melrose. Here they were kept, but only for a short time The body, enclosed in a stone coffin, was launched upon the Tweed, andthenconveyedtoTilmouth,inNorthumberland. 33 Infine,therelicsof St. Cuthbert were deposited, a. d. 999, by Bishop Aldhune,34 on a steep
in the form of a
plateau, horse-shoe,
had been
where a ThisplacewascalledDurham,3^andatpresent,itsgorgeousCathedrals? a
of Irish —architecture on a
development Romanesque magnificent scale,
with later Gothic introductions ot style dominates high over the River Wear, the intermediatebankbeingcoveredwithabeltoflargeascendingtrees. 3^ This remarkablebuildingwaserectedin1080;'9 but,ithassinceundergonevarious modifications. '*" Two grand towers, five naves, and two transepts,^^ rise
beside the former episcopal palace, for to Durham was transferred the See of Lindisfarne, after the relics ot our saint had been there permanently en-
*9 This is strongly represented, in the History written by Mr, Bright, of Oxford.
Chester-le- Street and Rippon saw His holy corpse ere Wardilaw
Hail'd him with joy and fear ;
And after many wanderings past. He chose his lordly seat at last. Where his Cathedral huge and vast
Looks down upon the Wear.
There deep in Durham's Gothic shade His relics are in secret laid. "
3* This Translation was commemorated,
on the 4th of September, at which day a notice of it will be found in this work.
"
35 See Britton's
Towns, Castles, Antiquities. Nobility, Gentry. " It contains a map and plates,
3° See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxvi. , sect, xxvi. , p. 308.
3' bee " Chronicles of St. Colman, and of St. Colman's, Farahy, Diocese of Cloyne. " By Rev, Courtenay Moore, M. A. , Incum- bent, part i.
