's Hehadgovernedthisdiocesewithgreatsanctity, having also erected a small
domicile
at some distance from the church, where, with seven or eight of the brothers, he could retire occasionally for prayer and study, when he had a little time left him, after the labours of his ministry.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v3
" Rufine earnestly desired
baptism, and the saint performed the office, Wulfade holding him at the font,
afterthemannerprescribedbyholyChurch. Afterwards,theprincestook
their leave, but they returned daily to seek the company and conversation of
theexemplaryhermit. However,Werbodestealthilyobservedtheirproceed- ings, and having told their father that they had become Christians, he added, that their conversion must alienate his subjects. He reported, that they were worshipping in St. Chad's oratory ; and, the king, in an angry mood, set out for the cell, yet he sent Werbode before, to tell the princes of his
approach, so that they might escape from his presence. But, Werbode only lookedinthroughtheoratorywindow,andsawthemearnestlypraying. He then returned to the king, stating that his sons were obstinate in their purpose of worshipping Christ. Pale with anger, Wulfere rushed towards the oratory,
and upbraided his sons for breaking his laws, by becoming Christians. He threatened them with his vengeance, and bade them renounce Christ. Wul- fade replied, that they did not want to break the laws, and that the king him- self had once embraced the faith, which he now renounced; but, while wishing to retain his fatherly affection, he declared, that no tortures could turn them from Christianity. The king rushed furiously on him, and cut off his head. His brother, Rufine, fled, but he was pursued by Wulfere, who gavehimadeath-wound. 34 Thenreturningtothecastle,Werbodeannounced this murder, but he was immediately smitten with madness. In great sorrow, the queen buried her sons, whose souls had departed to celestial glory, in onestonetomb. ^s Withherdaughter,Werburga,shesoonwithdrewtothe monastery at Sheppey, and then to that of Ely. ^^ Subsequently, the king was filled with remorse, and he became dangerously ill. The queen coun- selled him to seek out Chad, and confess to him. Wulfere took her advice, and called his thanes together, as if for a chase. But, his attendants got scattered from him, and being left alone, he espied the hart, with the rope around its neck. Following on its track, he was led to Chad's oratory, where the saint was then engaged celebrating Mass. When the canon began, so great a light shone through the apertures in the wall, while priest and sacri- fice were covered with such splendour, that the king was nearly blinded by it, for it was brighter than that of the natural sun. He durst not enter the oratory, until he had been shriven, and he lay prostrate before the door. Knowing what the king desired, at the conclusion of the office, Chad hastily put off his vestments, and thinking to leave them upon the natural place, he unwittingly hung them upon a sun-beam, for the natural sunlight was now streaming in through the window. Then he" went out, and raising the king from his prostrate position, Chad heard his confession, and enjoined it as a penance, on him, to root out idolatry, and to build several abbeys. 37 The holy man next motioned to the king, that he should enter the oratory and pray. Lift-
kept on the 24th of July. See Sir Harris
"
These twey sons thot ye see here," &c.
3« Ethelreda, daughter of Anna, King of the East Angles, founded a monastery here dows of Peterborough : it runs in quaint old in 673. It is the seat of a bishop, and it
verse, beginning : — possesses a fine Cathedral, begun in 1081.
See Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary of By Queen Ermenild had King Wulfere England," vol. ii. , pp. 171 to 173.
Nicolas'
35 The substance of this legend was for-
Chronology of History," p. 176.
merly inscribed, beneath the cloister win-
"
74 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 2.
ing up his eyes, by chance, Wulfere saw with astonishment the vestments
hanging on the sun-beam. Rising from his knees, he drew near, trying to place his own gloves and baldric upon the beam, but these immediately fell on theground. Whereforethekingunderstood,asthenaturalsunpaidhimso muchhomage,thatChadwasbelovedbytheSunofRighteousness. s^ Wul- fere died in the year 675,39 and he was buried in Lichfield. ''^
CHAPTER II
ST. CHAD CONSECRATED BISHOP—ST. THEODORE—ST. CHAD'S MISSIONARY CAREER—HIS Pious PRACTICES WHILE AT LAESTINGAEU—HE BECOMES A BISHOP OVER MERCIA AND LINDSAY—HIS LOVE FOR PRAYER AND RETIREMENT.
Oswiu * was a potent and a contemporary king in Northumbria : he had
alreadyconceivedahighideaofholyChad'sworthandsanctity. Avacancy occurred in the see of York, or Northumbria, through the death of Tuda,' who was carried off by the pestilence, a. d. 664. 3 At the nomination of King Alchfrid,* son of Oswy, St. Wilfrids was consecrated for the same see, by
Agilbert, Bishop of Paris, at Compeigne. However, the newly-consecrated prelate delayed too long his return to Northumbria, while the king and people of that province were impatient to have its see filled. Chad was
obliged by King Oswy, to accept episcopal consecration. ^ Accordingly, he was consecrated Bishop of York, by Wini, or Wina, Bishop of Winchester,^ assisted by two British prelates. ^ Other accounts place this event in the year
664. 9 The king sent his own priest, Eadhaed,'° with him, as a companion to Kent ; but, before arriving there, Densdedit," the Archbishop of Canterbury, died, and no other prelate was available for the ceremony but Wini, the
bishop. I'his proceeding created some confusion, for a time ; but, it was soon remedied, owing to St. Chad's great humility. In the year 668, St. Theodore" was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury, and Wilfrid also returned to England, with a great desire to introduce the Roman customs,
37 Among the number, he completed Peterborough Minster, which his father had begun. The reader will here recall, the account of Lancelot, and the Sacring in the
Tower by Joseph of Arimathsea, in the Morte d'Arthur.
The situation is not well known.
3 This was a very fatal scourge, as we
learn from the Irish and English Annals,
* His father bestowed on him the province
of the Derori, which he governed.
s His chief feast occurs on the 1 2th of October. He died A. D. 709, on the 24th of
3* See Rev, S. Baring- Gould's " Lives of
the Saints," vol. iii. , March ii. , pp. 33 April,
to 37.
39 See Florentii Wigorniensis' " Chroni-
con," A. D. DC. LXXV.
*° See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of
Wereburge, v. — Chapter ii.
6
See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
the
Saints," vol. ii. , February iii.
Sancta," part i. , p. 147.
7 So states Bishop Challenor. Colgan
calls him, however, Bishop of Lincoln,
^ See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of
the Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," vol. iii. , March ii.
Fathers, Martyrs
and other
Life of St.
He was brother to St.
Oswald, King of Northumbria, who was nicle. "
'
9 to the Chro- According "Anglo-Saxon
slain a. d. Oswiu imme- by Penda, 642.
diately succeeded, and died, February 15th, A. D. 670. See the "Anglo-Saxon Chro- nicle," pp. 31110318. " Monumenta His- torica Biitannica. "
'" He afterwards became of Bishop Ripon,
during the reign of Egfrid.
" The English Martyrology has his feast
at the 30th of June, and the Benedictine
' Hewas
" of
His feast occurs, on the 19th Sep-
buried, according to Ven. Bede, in his monastery of Paegnalacch : by some, it is called Waghcle, and again Wemalet.
tember.
'3 He ruled over the English Church, from
principal
Martyrology, at the 15th of July.
March 2. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 75
instead of those prevailing among the Scots. St. Theodore had been sent overintoEngland,byPopeVitalian/3in669/+ Whenhecametovisitthe northern provinces, he found fault with St. Chad's ordination,'s giving the preference to St. Wilfrid, and adjudging to him the see of York. St. Chad
was thought to have been defective in his ordination. "^
No sooner was he consecrated bishop, than he devoted himself, with un-
tiring zeal, to the observance of ecclesiastical truth and purity. He con-
stantly practised humility and mortification ; he was addicted to spiritual reading. After the apostolic manner, he visited the diocese, on foot, and
not on horseback. ^7 He assiduously preached the Gospel, and sought the salvation of souls, not alone in towns, castles, and villages, but even in the meanest cottages, and even in the very fields. Thus he was a true disciple and follower of St. Aidan, and he endeavoured to instruct the people with a like zeal. He adopted the same method and behaviour, he had learned from Aidan's and from his brother Cedda's example. '^
St. Chad retired to his monastery at Lestingay, so that there might not be two bishops for the same see, and at the same time. This place was situated in the province of the Deiri. ^9 At Laestingaeu, St. Chad remained
=°
humbly replied :
episcopal
you not heard it said,
'
" If I have not received you judge, lawfully
con- secration, I willingly resign the function. I never thought myself worthy of it ; yet, although unworthy, in obedience, I submitted to take it. " St. Theo- dore would not permit St. Chad's resignation, however, but he supplied what
until called upon to undertake the charge of another church.
While here, or
elsewhere, he had a disciple, named Trumhere,*' sometimes called Trum-
berct, Trumbrect, Trumberht, or Trumberthus,^^ who told Venerable Bede,
the saint was so filled with the fear of God and of his last end, that when a
strong gale of wind blew, while Chad was reading or engaged at any other business, he at once called for mercy from the Almighty, for himself and for
all mankind. If it blew stronger, prostrating himself, he prayed more earnestly. But, if a violent storm of wind or rain, or of thunder and lightning, came, he prayed and recited psalms in the church, until the weather became
calm. asked Being
he did so, Chad " Have replied :
A. D. 658 to 672. See Sir Harris Nicolas' "Outlines of History," p. 211.
'* See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. iii. , March ii. , p. 27.
'5 The validity of his consecration does
not appear to have been questioned ; but,
it is probable, there was something informal
in his nomination, or in the mode of per-
formance. Yet, Wini, as we are told, was
the only bishop then in Britain, who had
been consecrated after the Roman usage ;
all the other bishops were ordained, alter
the British or Scottish manner. See Col-
He went into all his bishopric, and preacht full fast,
Much of that folk, through his word, to God their hearts cast,
All afoot he travelled about, nor kept he any state,
Rich man though he was made he reckoned there of little great,
The Archbishop of York had not him used to go
To preach about on his feet, nor another none the mo,
They ride upon their palfreys, lest they should spurn their toe,
But riches and worldly state doth to holy Churchwoe. "
'^ "
See Venerable Bede's Historia Eccle-
siastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. iii. , cap.
"
ii,, n. 22, p. 477.
gan's
Acta Sanctorum Hibernice," Martii
'*
Sancta," part i. , p. 148.
'7 Robert of Gloucester thus celebrates his
labours, in the Metrical Life, of which he is the supposed author ;—
" He endeavoured earnestly, night and day, when lie had hither come,
To guard well holy Church, and to up- hold Christendom.
See I3ishop Challenor's "Britannia
by
disciples why
his
The Lord thundered from heaven, and the highest
xxviii. , p. 206.
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nios," Martii ii. , n. 18, p. 447,
^° See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
Sancta," part i. , p. 148.
^'
'9 See
Colgan's
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of
76 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 2.
gave his voice. He sent forth his arrows, and he scattered them : he multi- pUed lightnings, and troubled them. ' *3 For, the Lord moves the air, raises the winds, darts the lightning, and thunders from heaven, to excite the in- habitants of the earth to fear him, that he may bring to their thoughts the memory of a future judgment, to dispel their pride and to vanquish their boldness, by bringing to their minds that dreadful time, when, the heavens and the earth being in a flame, he will come in the clouds, with great power and majesty to judge the living and the dead. Wherefore, it behoves us to answer his heavenly admonitions, with fear and love ; so, that often as the air is disturbed, we should regard his hand, as if raised to strike us, and yet to be restrained. Then should we implore his mercy, and take care to examine the very secrets of our hearts, so that we may be anxious to purge away all stains of sin, and never deserve to be condemned. " ^*
Jaruman,"s a holy man and bishop over the Mercians, being dead. King Wulfhere, who governed that province, desired Archbishop Theodore*^ to furnish him and his people with a worthy pastor. The Archbishop would notordainanewoneforthem,butheappointedSt. Chadfortheirsee. He also preferred this request to King Oswiu, who acceded to it. This Diocese of Lichfield was of vast extent. The holy prelate was accustomed to visit all places, where he went to preach the Word of God, on foot. But the Arch- bishop, who had a great esteem for his sanctity, obliged him to ride on horse- back, whenever he travelled on a long journey. Theodore even helped him on horseback, with his own hands. *?
Having been appointed bishop for all the Kingdom of Mercia, and Lind- say, he chose to live at Lichfield. ^^ Four bishops of the Middle-Angles had
preceded him, but they do not appear to have been attached to any perma- nent see. These were all holy men, and worthy to be ranked amongst the saints. St. Diuma, a Scot or an Irishman, was the Apostle of that province. KeoUach belonged to the same nation ; Trumhere, had been at first Abbot ofGethling,intheprovinceoftheNorthumbrians. Thefourthandimme- diatesuccessorwasJaruman. But,St. Chadisregardedasthefirstbishop, and chief patron of Lichfield, although the fifth prelate, in order of succession, who ruled over the Mercians. St. Chad extended his pastoral care and vigilance from Lichfield to all parts of Mercia and Lindsay. By his heavenly doctrine, and saintly life, he shone as one of the brightest stars, in the firma- mentofGod'sChurch.
's Hehadgovernedthisdiocesewithgreatsanctity, having also erected a small domicile at some distance from the church, where, with seven or eight of the brothers, he could retire occasionally for prayer and study, when he had a little time left him, after the labours of his ministry. Thus was his episcopacy spent, in great perfection, for two years and a half, 3° when a great mortality was sent by Divine Providence. This
the Saints," vol. iii. , March ii. He after- wards taught divinity to Venerable Bede.
"See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- rum," tomus i. , Martii ii. Vita S. Ceddae, cap. iii. , num. 10, and n. (a), pp. 147, 148.
"3 See Psalms xvii. , 14, 15.
'* See Venerable Bede's " Historia Ecclc- siastica Gentis Anglorum," lib iv. , cap. iii. , p. 213. "Monumenta Historica Britan- nica. "
"5 He died A. D. 669.
'* In the year 668, he was consecrated, and sent to Britain, according to the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle," p. 318. See "Monumenta Historica Britannica. "
*' See Venerable Bede's " Historia Eccle-
siastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. iv. , cap. iii. , p. 211.
°*
It is said to have been so called, on
account of a great number of martyrs slain
and buried there, under Maximianus Hercu-
leus. The name signifies, it is thought,
"the field of carcasses. " Hence, this city
bears for its arms, a landscape, covered with
the bodies of martyrs. See Rev. Alban
Butler's "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs
and other principal Saints," vol. iii. , March ii.
=' See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia Sancta," part i. , p. 149.
March 2. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 77
pestilence translated a great many precious stones of God's sanctuary from an earthly to a heavenly temple, according to what is said in the Sacred
Scriptures :
" A time to scatter stones, and a time to 31 gather. "
CHAPTER III.
MIRACULOUS PREMONITION OF HIS DECEASE—THE DAY AND YEAR OF HIS DEATH— NOTICES IN THE CALENDARS—TRANSLATIONS OF HIS RELICS—MEMORIALS—PRE- SERVATION OF HIS RELICS—ST. CHAD'S CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL, BIRMINGHAM—CON- CLUSION.
When many had been taken away from life, who were members of his church, and when his own hour drew near for a summons to the Lord's pre- sence, it happened one day, that he was in the aforesaid dweUing with only one brother—that Owen, already mentioned—his other companions being in the church. While employed about the business of the house, when his companions were gone to the church, and the bishop being all alone, attend- ing to reading or prayer in the oratory of the house, on a sudden, as he after- wards related, that monk heard most melodious and jubilant voices. These seemed descending from heaven, towards the oratory, where the bishop was meditating. ' Enteringnearthisplace,Owenhstenedattentivelytowhathe heard. About half an hour elapsed, when the joyous harmony seemed departing from the roof of the oratory and returning again towards heaven, until it died away with inexpressible sweetness. The monk stood for about one hour astonished, and he seriously revolved in mind, what such a portent could signify. The bishop at length opened the oratory window, and he made a sound with his hands—a well-known signal for those without—that the monk should come towards him. Then desiring him to hasten, and to bring seven brothers to attend at the church, the prelate desired them to preserve the virtue of peace among themselves, and with all others. He requested them, likewise, to observe those regular rules of discipline, which had been taught or observed by him, or which they found in the words and actionsoftheirforefathers. Thenheadded,thatthedayofhisdeathwasat hand. ^ "For," said he, "that amiable guest, who was wont to visit our brethren, has vouchsafed also to come to me this day, and to call me out of this world. Therefore, returning to the church, speak to the brethren, that they in their prayers recommend my passage to our Lord; and, that they be careful to provide for their own—the hour of which is uncertain—by watch- ing, prayer, and good works. " Having spoken thus, and after receiving his blessing, they being gone away very sorrowful, Owini returned alone. Pro-
himself on the
permitted to ask one question ? " " Ask what you will," answered the
strating
ground,
he
said,
you, father, may
I be
"
that, which I heard coming upon this oratory, and after some time returning
Then," to heaven ? " The
he,
you " If
me,
bishop.
3° The BoUandists estimate this term of rule, from about the month of September, A. D. 669 to the and of March, a. d, 672. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Martiiii. De S. Ceadda Episcopo, Vita, &c. , cap. ii. , n- (g)> P- 147-
s' See Ecclesiast—es iii. , 5.
CHAPTi:. K III. 'The account adds:
' '
"I entreat bishop answered,
what was joyful melody
said
to tell
" I beseech
you
heard the and know singing,
videlicet vocem ab Euro id austro,
quam
est, ab alto Brumalis exortam, primo se audiisse dicebat. "
''We find it stated, that he died of a
pestilence in the year 673. See A Key to the Calendar, p. 57, in Whitaker's "Alma- nack for the year of our Lord 1873. "
3"
See Venerable Bede's Historia Eccle-
78 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 2.
the coming of the heavenly company, I command you, in the name of our Lord, that you do not tell the same to any before my death ; but, they were really angelic spirits, who came to call me to those heavenly rewards I always so much loved and desired. They promised, likewise, to return seven days hence, and to take me away with them. " As had been intimated to him, this promise was fulfilled. A languishing illness seized him, and it increased daily in intensity, until the seventh day. Then he had prepared for death, by receiving the Body of our Lord. Released from the prison of the body—the angels, as may justly be believed, attending him—his spirit went to take possession of heavenly joys. 3
The year generally assigned for his death is 672,4 Others again place it at673. s Thissaintwasverycelebratedinhisday,andafterhistime,several writers have recorded him. ^ The holy prelate passed out of this life, on the 2nd of March, or on the 6th day of the Nones, according to Venerable Bede. 7 The Martyrology of Salisbury, the English Martyrology, Hugh Menard,^ the Martyrology of Cologne, Molanus on Usuard, Canisius, Felicius, Galesinius, the Roman Martyrology, and several other ancient and modem Calendars, have his commemoration assigned to this date. 9 The Kalendar of Arbuth- nott notices the feast of St. Ceadde, Bishop and Confessor, with an Office of nine Lessons, at the 2nd of March. The Kalendarium Breviarii Aberdon- ensis has a notice of St. Cedde's festival, at the 2nd of March. This holy bishop had an Office of nine Lessons. At the 2nd of March, Dempster says,'° that at York, in England, the first Apostle of the East Angles, Arch- bishop Cedda, and Bishop of Leichfeld, was commemorated. In Adam King's Kalendar, at the 2nd of March, is found " S. Cedde bisch. of ye mers
"
in scot, vnder Constantine
At first his remains were buried near the Church of St. Mary, but after-
wards the Church of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, was built there, and
thither his remains were translated.
In testimony of his sanctity, frequent
ye 5. "
"
certain distracted person, wandering about, arrived there in the evening un-
miraculous cures were
performed.
Among
the rest of " a late," says Bede,
known to or unregarded by keepers of the place. Having rested there all night, he came out the next morning in his perfect senses, to the great admi- ration and joy of all. The place of his sepulchre," continues the historian, " is a wooden monument, made like a little house covered " a hole
; having
in the wall, through which those that go thither for devotion usually put in
theirhand,andtakeawaysomeofthedust. This,beingputintowater,and given to sick persons or cattle to drink, gives immediate ease to their infir- mity, and restores them to health. *3 The relics of St. Chad were subsequently translated to that church, built by Roger de Clinton, in the year 1148. This wasdedicatedtoGod,inhonouroftheBlessedVirginandofSt. Chad. It
^ See "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Colgan's
niae," Martii ii. , n. 31, p. 447.
' See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i. , Martii ii. De S. Ceadda, Epis*
copo, &c. Commentarius historicus, sect.
i. , num. 5, 6, p. 144.
'° In " Menologium Scoticum. "
Vitse ;" Harpsfeld's Chronicle, Seculum "See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of
vii. ; Florence of Worcester ad A. D. 653,
siastica Gentis
Anglorum,"
lib.
iv. , cap. iii. ,
pp. 212, 213.
See "Monumenta Historica Britannica,"
vol. i. , p. 214. "
s See Circle of the Seasons," p. 62.
®
ences of Arnold Wion in his "Lignum
Thus the reader may find the refer*
lib.
16; William of Malmesbury, " De Regibus
" This form of shrine was common very
6645 Ranulphus Cestrensis,
v. , cap. 15,
Anglorum," lib. bus," lib. ii. , &c.
i. , cap.
6. " De Pontifici-
in Ireland, in the instances of saints' pre- served relics,
'3 See Venerable Bede's " Historia Eccle*
siastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. iv. , cap. iii. , p. 214.
^ See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis An*
glorum," lib. iv. , cap. iii. , p. 214.
Scottish Saints," pp. 97, 113, 146, 193.
March 2. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 79
is at present known as the fine Cathedral Church of Lichfield. In 1296, Walter Langton was raised to this see, and he built the Lady Chapel. He there erected a beautifiil shrine, at the enormous cost of ;^2,ooo, to receive the holy bishop's relics. '^ Although St. Chad's episcopate was a short one, yet, the warm-hearted Mercians abundantly esteemed it, for no less than thirty-one churches are dedicated to his honour, and all in the midland counties,eitherinorneartheancientdioceseofLichfield. Thefirstchurch ever built in Shrewsbury was named after him, and when the old building fell in 1788, an ancient wooden figure of the patron escaped destruction. The carver had represented St. Chad, in his pontifical robes, with a mitre : a book being held in his right hand, and a pastoral staff in his lelt. This image is still preserved in the new Protestant Church. 's
Until the change of religion in England, St. Chad's remains were pre-
served in the Cathedral of Lichfield. '^ Some of these relics are now lost, but
someofthemhavebeenpreservedinaveryprovidentialmanner. Thehead
of the Lichfield St. Chad had been long kept, on a special altar of the
cathedral, called the Altar of St. Chad ;'? but, what became of this relic, at
the time of the Reformation, has not been ascertained. A prebendary of
Lichfield Cathedral, named Arthur Dudley,'^ a relation to the noble family of
Dudley, preserved St. Chad's relics from desecration, by giving them for safe
keeping to two ladies of that family, from whom they passed dividedly into the hands of two neighbours, Henry and William Hoodsheeds. When about
to die,'9 Henry Hoodsheeds, of Woodcitton, near Sedgley, in Staffordshire, was attended by his priest. Father Peter Turner, and then the dying man
gave him that portion he possessed of St. Chad's relics, they being concealed at that time, on the top of his bed. ^° Father Turner, dying in 1655, this treasure passed to the keeping of " Dominus Leveson. " We next hear of them, about 1667, as being at Boscobel, a house of the Fitzherberts ; and, later still, they were kept at Swinnerton,"^' in the county of Stafford. These relics had been inspected, at various times, by venerable ecclesiastics. ^^ About A. D. 1790, they followed the Fitzherberts to a new residence, at Aston Hall,nearStone. TheRev.
baptism, and the saint performed the office, Wulfade holding him at the font,
afterthemannerprescribedbyholyChurch. Afterwards,theprincestook
their leave, but they returned daily to seek the company and conversation of
theexemplaryhermit. However,Werbodestealthilyobservedtheirproceed- ings, and having told their father that they had become Christians, he added, that their conversion must alienate his subjects. He reported, that they were worshipping in St. Chad's oratory ; and, the king, in an angry mood, set out for the cell, yet he sent Werbode before, to tell the princes of his
approach, so that they might escape from his presence. But, Werbode only lookedinthroughtheoratorywindow,andsawthemearnestlypraying. He then returned to the king, stating that his sons were obstinate in their purpose of worshipping Christ. Pale with anger, Wulfere rushed towards the oratory,
and upbraided his sons for breaking his laws, by becoming Christians. He threatened them with his vengeance, and bade them renounce Christ. Wul- fade replied, that they did not want to break the laws, and that the king him- self had once embraced the faith, which he now renounced; but, while wishing to retain his fatherly affection, he declared, that no tortures could turn them from Christianity. The king rushed furiously on him, and cut off his head. His brother, Rufine, fled, but he was pursued by Wulfere, who gavehimadeath-wound. 34 Thenreturningtothecastle,Werbodeannounced this murder, but he was immediately smitten with madness. In great sorrow, the queen buried her sons, whose souls had departed to celestial glory, in onestonetomb. ^s Withherdaughter,Werburga,shesoonwithdrewtothe monastery at Sheppey, and then to that of Ely. ^^ Subsequently, the king was filled with remorse, and he became dangerously ill. The queen coun- selled him to seek out Chad, and confess to him. Wulfere took her advice, and called his thanes together, as if for a chase. But, his attendants got scattered from him, and being left alone, he espied the hart, with the rope around its neck. Following on its track, he was led to Chad's oratory, where the saint was then engaged celebrating Mass. When the canon began, so great a light shone through the apertures in the wall, while priest and sacri- fice were covered with such splendour, that the king was nearly blinded by it, for it was brighter than that of the natural sun. He durst not enter the oratory, until he had been shriven, and he lay prostrate before the door. Knowing what the king desired, at the conclusion of the office, Chad hastily put off his vestments, and thinking to leave them upon the natural place, he unwittingly hung them upon a sun-beam, for the natural sunlight was now streaming in through the window. Then he" went out, and raising the king from his prostrate position, Chad heard his confession, and enjoined it as a penance, on him, to root out idolatry, and to build several abbeys. 37 The holy man next motioned to the king, that he should enter the oratory and pray. Lift-
kept on the 24th of July. See Sir Harris
"
These twey sons thot ye see here," &c.
3« Ethelreda, daughter of Anna, King of the East Angles, founded a monastery here dows of Peterborough : it runs in quaint old in 673. It is the seat of a bishop, and it
verse, beginning : — possesses a fine Cathedral, begun in 1081.
See Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary of By Queen Ermenild had King Wulfere England," vol. ii. , pp. 171 to 173.
Nicolas'
35 The substance of this legend was for-
Chronology of History," p. 176.
merly inscribed, beneath the cloister win-
"
74 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 2.
ing up his eyes, by chance, Wulfere saw with astonishment the vestments
hanging on the sun-beam. Rising from his knees, he drew near, trying to place his own gloves and baldric upon the beam, but these immediately fell on theground. Whereforethekingunderstood,asthenaturalsunpaidhimso muchhomage,thatChadwasbelovedbytheSunofRighteousness. s^ Wul- fere died in the year 675,39 and he was buried in Lichfield. ''^
CHAPTER II
ST. CHAD CONSECRATED BISHOP—ST. THEODORE—ST. CHAD'S MISSIONARY CAREER—HIS Pious PRACTICES WHILE AT LAESTINGAEU—HE BECOMES A BISHOP OVER MERCIA AND LINDSAY—HIS LOVE FOR PRAYER AND RETIREMENT.
Oswiu * was a potent and a contemporary king in Northumbria : he had
alreadyconceivedahighideaofholyChad'sworthandsanctity. Avacancy occurred in the see of York, or Northumbria, through the death of Tuda,' who was carried off by the pestilence, a. d. 664. 3 At the nomination of King Alchfrid,* son of Oswy, St. Wilfrids was consecrated for the same see, by
Agilbert, Bishop of Paris, at Compeigne. However, the newly-consecrated prelate delayed too long his return to Northumbria, while the king and people of that province were impatient to have its see filled. Chad was
obliged by King Oswy, to accept episcopal consecration. ^ Accordingly, he was consecrated Bishop of York, by Wini, or Wina, Bishop of Winchester,^ assisted by two British prelates. ^ Other accounts place this event in the year
664. 9 The king sent his own priest, Eadhaed,'° with him, as a companion to Kent ; but, before arriving there, Densdedit," the Archbishop of Canterbury, died, and no other prelate was available for the ceremony but Wini, the
bishop. I'his proceeding created some confusion, for a time ; but, it was soon remedied, owing to St. Chad's great humility. In the year 668, St. Theodore" was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury, and Wilfrid also returned to England, with a great desire to introduce the Roman customs,
37 Among the number, he completed Peterborough Minster, which his father had begun. The reader will here recall, the account of Lancelot, and the Sacring in the
Tower by Joseph of Arimathsea, in the Morte d'Arthur.
The situation is not well known.
3 This was a very fatal scourge, as we
learn from the Irish and English Annals,
* His father bestowed on him the province
of the Derori, which he governed.
s His chief feast occurs on the 1 2th of October. He died A. D. 709, on the 24th of
3* See Rev, S. Baring- Gould's " Lives of
the Saints," vol. iii. , March ii. , pp. 33 April,
to 37.
39 See Florentii Wigorniensis' " Chroni-
con," A. D. DC. LXXV.
*° See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of
Wereburge, v. — Chapter ii.
6
See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
the
Saints," vol. ii. , February iii.
Sancta," part i. , p. 147.
7 So states Bishop Challenor. Colgan
calls him, however, Bishop of Lincoln,
^ See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of
the Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," vol. iii. , March ii.
Fathers, Martyrs
and other
Life of St.
He was brother to St.
Oswald, King of Northumbria, who was nicle. "
'
9 to the Chro- According "Anglo-Saxon
slain a. d. Oswiu imme- by Penda, 642.
diately succeeded, and died, February 15th, A. D. 670. See the "Anglo-Saxon Chro- nicle," pp. 31110318. " Monumenta His- torica Biitannica. "
'" He afterwards became of Bishop Ripon,
during the reign of Egfrid.
" The English Martyrology has his feast
at the 30th of June, and the Benedictine
' Hewas
" of
His feast occurs, on the 19th Sep-
buried, according to Ven. Bede, in his monastery of Paegnalacch : by some, it is called Waghcle, and again Wemalet.
tember.
'3 He ruled over the English Church, from
principal
Martyrology, at the 15th of July.
March 2. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 75
instead of those prevailing among the Scots. St. Theodore had been sent overintoEngland,byPopeVitalian/3in669/+ Whenhecametovisitthe northern provinces, he found fault with St. Chad's ordination,'s giving the preference to St. Wilfrid, and adjudging to him the see of York. St. Chad
was thought to have been defective in his ordination. "^
No sooner was he consecrated bishop, than he devoted himself, with un-
tiring zeal, to the observance of ecclesiastical truth and purity. He con-
stantly practised humility and mortification ; he was addicted to spiritual reading. After the apostolic manner, he visited the diocese, on foot, and
not on horseback. ^7 He assiduously preached the Gospel, and sought the salvation of souls, not alone in towns, castles, and villages, but even in the meanest cottages, and even in the very fields. Thus he was a true disciple and follower of St. Aidan, and he endeavoured to instruct the people with a like zeal. He adopted the same method and behaviour, he had learned from Aidan's and from his brother Cedda's example. '^
St. Chad retired to his monastery at Lestingay, so that there might not be two bishops for the same see, and at the same time. This place was situated in the province of the Deiri. ^9 At Laestingaeu, St. Chad remained
=°
humbly replied :
episcopal
you not heard it said,
'
" If I have not received you judge, lawfully
con- secration, I willingly resign the function. I never thought myself worthy of it ; yet, although unworthy, in obedience, I submitted to take it. " St. Theo- dore would not permit St. Chad's resignation, however, but he supplied what
until called upon to undertake the charge of another church.
While here, or
elsewhere, he had a disciple, named Trumhere,*' sometimes called Trum-
berct, Trumbrect, Trumberht, or Trumberthus,^^ who told Venerable Bede,
the saint was so filled with the fear of God and of his last end, that when a
strong gale of wind blew, while Chad was reading or engaged at any other business, he at once called for mercy from the Almighty, for himself and for
all mankind. If it blew stronger, prostrating himself, he prayed more earnestly. But, if a violent storm of wind or rain, or of thunder and lightning, came, he prayed and recited psalms in the church, until the weather became
calm. asked Being
he did so, Chad " Have replied :
A. D. 658 to 672. See Sir Harris Nicolas' "Outlines of History," p. 211.
'* See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. iii. , March ii. , p. 27.
'5 The validity of his consecration does
not appear to have been questioned ; but,
it is probable, there was something informal
in his nomination, or in the mode of per-
formance. Yet, Wini, as we are told, was
the only bishop then in Britain, who had
been consecrated after the Roman usage ;
all the other bishops were ordained, alter
the British or Scottish manner. See Col-
He went into all his bishopric, and preacht full fast,
Much of that folk, through his word, to God their hearts cast,
All afoot he travelled about, nor kept he any state,
Rich man though he was made he reckoned there of little great,
The Archbishop of York had not him used to go
To preach about on his feet, nor another none the mo,
They ride upon their palfreys, lest they should spurn their toe,
But riches and worldly state doth to holy Churchwoe. "
'^ "
See Venerable Bede's Historia Eccle-
siastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. iii. , cap.
"
ii,, n. 22, p. 477.
gan's
Acta Sanctorum Hibernice," Martii
'*
Sancta," part i. , p. 148.
'7 Robert of Gloucester thus celebrates his
labours, in the Metrical Life, of which he is the supposed author ;—
" He endeavoured earnestly, night and day, when lie had hither come,
To guard well holy Church, and to up- hold Christendom.
See I3ishop Challenor's "Britannia
by
disciples why
his
The Lord thundered from heaven, and the highest
xxviii. , p. 206.
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nios," Martii ii. , n. 18, p. 447,
^° See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
Sancta," part i. , p. 148.
^'
'9 See
Colgan's
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of
76 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 2.
gave his voice. He sent forth his arrows, and he scattered them : he multi- pUed lightnings, and troubled them. ' *3 For, the Lord moves the air, raises the winds, darts the lightning, and thunders from heaven, to excite the in- habitants of the earth to fear him, that he may bring to their thoughts the memory of a future judgment, to dispel their pride and to vanquish their boldness, by bringing to their minds that dreadful time, when, the heavens and the earth being in a flame, he will come in the clouds, with great power and majesty to judge the living and the dead. Wherefore, it behoves us to answer his heavenly admonitions, with fear and love ; so, that often as the air is disturbed, we should regard his hand, as if raised to strike us, and yet to be restrained. Then should we implore his mercy, and take care to examine the very secrets of our hearts, so that we may be anxious to purge away all stains of sin, and never deserve to be condemned. " ^*
Jaruman,"s a holy man and bishop over the Mercians, being dead. King Wulfhere, who governed that province, desired Archbishop Theodore*^ to furnish him and his people with a worthy pastor. The Archbishop would notordainanewoneforthem,butheappointedSt. Chadfortheirsee. He also preferred this request to King Oswiu, who acceded to it. This Diocese of Lichfield was of vast extent. The holy prelate was accustomed to visit all places, where he went to preach the Word of God, on foot. But the Arch- bishop, who had a great esteem for his sanctity, obliged him to ride on horse- back, whenever he travelled on a long journey. Theodore even helped him on horseback, with his own hands. *?
Having been appointed bishop for all the Kingdom of Mercia, and Lind- say, he chose to live at Lichfield. ^^ Four bishops of the Middle-Angles had
preceded him, but they do not appear to have been attached to any perma- nent see. These were all holy men, and worthy to be ranked amongst the saints. St. Diuma, a Scot or an Irishman, was the Apostle of that province. KeoUach belonged to the same nation ; Trumhere, had been at first Abbot ofGethling,intheprovinceoftheNorthumbrians. Thefourthandimme- diatesuccessorwasJaruman. But,St. Chadisregardedasthefirstbishop, and chief patron of Lichfield, although the fifth prelate, in order of succession, who ruled over the Mercians. St. Chad extended his pastoral care and vigilance from Lichfield to all parts of Mercia and Lindsay. By his heavenly doctrine, and saintly life, he shone as one of the brightest stars, in the firma- mentofGod'sChurch.
's Hehadgovernedthisdiocesewithgreatsanctity, having also erected a small domicile at some distance from the church, where, with seven or eight of the brothers, he could retire occasionally for prayer and study, when he had a little time left him, after the labours of his ministry. Thus was his episcopacy spent, in great perfection, for two years and a half, 3° when a great mortality was sent by Divine Providence. This
the Saints," vol. iii. , March ii. He after- wards taught divinity to Venerable Bede.
"See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- rum," tomus i. , Martii ii. Vita S. Ceddae, cap. iii. , num. 10, and n. (a), pp. 147, 148.
"3 See Psalms xvii. , 14, 15.
'* See Venerable Bede's " Historia Ecclc- siastica Gentis Anglorum," lib iv. , cap. iii. , p. 213. "Monumenta Historica Britan- nica. "
"5 He died A. D. 669.
'* In the year 668, he was consecrated, and sent to Britain, according to the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle," p. 318. See "Monumenta Historica Britannica. "
*' See Venerable Bede's " Historia Eccle-
siastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. iv. , cap. iii. , p. 211.
°*
It is said to have been so called, on
account of a great number of martyrs slain
and buried there, under Maximianus Hercu-
leus. The name signifies, it is thought,
"the field of carcasses. " Hence, this city
bears for its arms, a landscape, covered with
the bodies of martyrs. See Rev. Alban
Butler's "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs
and other principal Saints," vol. iii. , March ii.
=' See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia Sancta," part i. , p. 149.
March 2. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 77
pestilence translated a great many precious stones of God's sanctuary from an earthly to a heavenly temple, according to what is said in the Sacred
Scriptures :
" A time to scatter stones, and a time to 31 gather. "
CHAPTER III.
MIRACULOUS PREMONITION OF HIS DECEASE—THE DAY AND YEAR OF HIS DEATH— NOTICES IN THE CALENDARS—TRANSLATIONS OF HIS RELICS—MEMORIALS—PRE- SERVATION OF HIS RELICS—ST. CHAD'S CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL, BIRMINGHAM—CON- CLUSION.
When many had been taken away from life, who were members of his church, and when his own hour drew near for a summons to the Lord's pre- sence, it happened one day, that he was in the aforesaid dweUing with only one brother—that Owen, already mentioned—his other companions being in the church. While employed about the business of the house, when his companions were gone to the church, and the bishop being all alone, attend- ing to reading or prayer in the oratory of the house, on a sudden, as he after- wards related, that monk heard most melodious and jubilant voices. These seemed descending from heaven, towards the oratory, where the bishop was meditating. ' Enteringnearthisplace,Owenhstenedattentivelytowhathe heard. About half an hour elapsed, when the joyous harmony seemed departing from the roof of the oratory and returning again towards heaven, until it died away with inexpressible sweetness. The monk stood for about one hour astonished, and he seriously revolved in mind, what such a portent could signify. The bishop at length opened the oratory window, and he made a sound with his hands—a well-known signal for those without—that the monk should come towards him. Then desiring him to hasten, and to bring seven brothers to attend at the church, the prelate desired them to preserve the virtue of peace among themselves, and with all others. He requested them, likewise, to observe those regular rules of discipline, which had been taught or observed by him, or which they found in the words and actionsoftheirforefathers. Thenheadded,thatthedayofhisdeathwasat hand. ^ "For," said he, "that amiable guest, who was wont to visit our brethren, has vouchsafed also to come to me this day, and to call me out of this world. Therefore, returning to the church, speak to the brethren, that they in their prayers recommend my passage to our Lord; and, that they be careful to provide for their own—the hour of which is uncertain—by watch- ing, prayer, and good works. " Having spoken thus, and after receiving his blessing, they being gone away very sorrowful, Owini returned alone. Pro-
himself on the
permitted to ask one question ? " " Ask what you will," answered the
strating
ground,
he
said,
you, father, may
I be
"
that, which I heard coming upon this oratory, and after some time returning
Then," to heaven ? " The
he,
you " If
me,
bishop.
3° The BoUandists estimate this term of rule, from about the month of September, A. D. 669 to the and of March, a. d, 672. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Martiiii. De S. Ceadda Episcopo, Vita, &c. , cap. ii. , n- (g)> P- 147-
s' See Ecclesiast—es iii. , 5.
CHAPTi:. K III. 'The account adds:
' '
"I entreat bishop answered,
what was joyful melody
said
to tell
" I beseech
you
heard the and know singing,
videlicet vocem ab Euro id austro,
quam
est, ab alto Brumalis exortam, primo se audiisse dicebat. "
''We find it stated, that he died of a
pestilence in the year 673. See A Key to the Calendar, p. 57, in Whitaker's "Alma- nack for the year of our Lord 1873. "
3"
See Venerable Bede's Historia Eccle-
78 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 2.
the coming of the heavenly company, I command you, in the name of our Lord, that you do not tell the same to any before my death ; but, they were really angelic spirits, who came to call me to those heavenly rewards I always so much loved and desired. They promised, likewise, to return seven days hence, and to take me away with them. " As had been intimated to him, this promise was fulfilled. A languishing illness seized him, and it increased daily in intensity, until the seventh day. Then he had prepared for death, by receiving the Body of our Lord. Released from the prison of the body—the angels, as may justly be believed, attending him—his spirit went to take possession of heavenly joys. 3
The year generally assigned for his death is 672,4 Others again place it at673. s Thissaintwasverycelebratedinhisday,andafterhistime,several writers have recorded him. ^ The holy prelate passed out of this life, on the 2nd of March, or on the 6th day of the Nones, according to Venerable Bede. 7 The Martyrology of Salisbury, the English Martyrology, Hugh Menard,^ the Martyrology of Cologne, Molanus on Usuard, Canisius, Felicius, Galesinius, the Roman Martyrology, and several other ancient and modem Calendars, have his commemoration assigned to this date. 9 The Kalendar of Arbuth- nott notices the feast of St. Ceadde, Bishop and Confessor, with an Office of nine Lessons, at the 2nd of March. The Kalendarium Breviarii Aberdon- ensis has a notice of St. Cedde's festival, at the 2nd of March. This holy bishop had an Office of nine Lessons. At the 2nd of March, Dempster says,'° that at York, in England, the first Apostle of the East Angles, Arch- bishop Cedda, and Bishop of Leichfeld, was commemorated. In Adam King's Kalendar, at the 2nd of March, is found " S. Cedde bisch. of ye mers
"
in scot, vnder Constantine
At first his remains were buried near the Church of St. Mary, but after-
wards the Church of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, was built there, and
thither his remains were translated.
In testimony of his sanctity, frequent
ye 5. "
"
certain distracted person, wandering about, arrived there in the evening un-
miraculous cures were
performed.
Among
the rest of " a late," says Bede,
known to or unregarded by keepers of the place. Having rested there all night, he came out the next morning in his perfect senses, to the great admi- ration and joy of all. The place of his sepulchre," continues the historian, " is a wooden monument, made like a little house covered " a hole
; having
in the wall, through which those that go thither for devotion usually put in
theirhand,andtakeawaysomeofthedust. This,beingputintowater,and given to sick persons or cattle to drink, gives immediate ease to their infir- mity, and restores them to health. *3 The relics of St. Chad were subsequently translated to that church, built by Roger de Clinton, in the year 1148. This wasdedicatedtoGod,inhonouroftheBlessedVirginandofSt. Chad. It
^ See "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Colgan's
niae," Martii ii. , n. 31, p. 447.
' See the Bollandists' " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i. , Martii ii. De S. Ceadda, Epis*
copo, &c. Commentarius historicus, sect.
i. , num. 5, 6, p. 144.
'° In " Menologium Scoticum. "
Vitse ;" Harpsfeld's Chronicle, Seculum "See Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of
vii. ; Florence of Worcester ad A. D. 653,
siastica Gentis
Anglorum,"
lib.
iv. , cap. iii. ,
pp. 212, 213.
See "Monumenta Historica Britannica,"
vol. i. , p. 214. "
s See Circle of the Seasons," p. 62.
®
ences of Arnold Wion in his "Lignum
Thus the reader may find the refer*
lib.
16; William of Malmesbury, " De Regibus
" This form of shrine was common very
6645 Ranulphus Cestrensis,
v. , cap. 15,
Anglorum," lib. bus," lib. ii. , &c.
i. , cap.
6. " De Pontifici-
in Ireland, in the instances of saints' pre- served relics,
'3 See Venerable Bede's " Historia Eccle*
siastica Gentis Anglorum," lib. iv. , cap. iii. , p. 214.
^ See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis An*
glorum," lib. iv. , cap. iii. , p. 214.
Scottish Saints," pp. 97, 113, 146, 193.
March 2. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 79
is at present known as the fine Cathedral Church of Lichfield. In 1296, Walter Langton was raised to this see, and he built the Lady Chapel. He there erected a beautifiil shrine, at the enormous cost of ;^2,ooo, to receive the holy bishop's relics. '^ Although St. Chad's episcopate was a short one, yet, the warm-hearted Mercians abundantly esteemed it, for no less than thirty-one churches are dedicated to his honour, and all in the midland counties,eitherinorneartheancientdioceseofLichfield. Thefirstchurch ever built in Shrewsbury was named after him, and when the old building fell in 1788, an ancient wooden figure of the patron escaped destruction. The carver had represented St. Chad, in his pontifical robes, with a mitre : a book being held in his right hand, and a pastoral staff in his lelt. This image is still preserved in the new Protestant Church. 's
Until the change of religion in England, St. Chad's remains were pre-
served in the Cathedral of Lichfield. '^ Some of these relics are now lost, but
someofthemhavebeenpreservedinaveryprovidentialmanner. Thehead
of the Lichfield St. Chad had been long kept, on a special altar of the
cathedral, called the Altar of St. Chad ;'? but, what became of this relic, at
the time of the Reformation, has not been ascertained. A prebendary of
Lichfield Cathedral, named Arthur Dudley,'^ a relation to the noble family of
Dudley, preserved St. Chad's relics from desecration, by giving them for safe
keeping to two ladies of that family, from whom they passed dividedly into the hands of two neighbours, Henry and William Hoodsheeds. When about
to die,'9 Henry Hoodsheeds, of Woodcitton, near Sedgley, in Staffordshire, was attended by his priest. Father Peter Turner, and then the dying man
gave him that portion he possessed of St. Chad's relics, they being concealed at that time, on the top of his bed. ^° Father Turner, dying in 1655, this treasure passed to the keeping of " Dominus Leveson. " We next hear of them, about 1667, as being at Boscobel, a house of the Fitzherberts ; and, later still, they were kept at Swinnerton,"^' in the county of Stafford. These relics had been inspected, at various times, by venerable ecclesiastics. ^^ About A. D. 1790, they followed the Fitzherberts to a new residence, at Aston Hall,nearStone. TheRev.
