Learning from the Northern Saints

Every follower of JesusJesus (Greek form of Hebrew 'Joshua' meaning 'Yahweh [God] is salvation') Also given the title Christ, meaning 'anointed one' or Messiah. His life is recorded mainly in the Four Gospels although he is also mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus (c. 37-c.100) and the Roman historian Tacitus (c.110). is a ‘saintSaint In the New Testament applied to all Christians. Later used of those who were martyred or showed exceptional holiness and whose status was confirmed by the church. The practice of venerating the saints and their relics and asking for their intercessions (prayers) can be observed from the second and third centuries onward and played a central role in popular medieval religion.,’ someone called to serve God

The island of Iona, where St ColumbaColumba, St (c.521-597) Also Colmcille, Columcille. Born into noble Irish family. Established monastery on Iona (c.563), from which he evangelised parts of Scotland and Northern England. What is known of him derives almost entirely from Adomnan's Vita Columbae which, although based on solid traditions within his monastery and earlier written accounts, was written almost a century after his death and portrays him in idealised terms as the perfect disciple, specially chosen by God. By the time of his death, Iona was an important monastic centre linking Ireland, Strathclyde, and Northumbria; and this importance grew for the following two centuries founded his monasteryMonastery The house of a religious community

Saints and us

What is a saint? And why are they so relevant to us today?

In every generation since the Church began, there have been people whose lives have especially reflected God’s character and his love for the world. Many of these have been given the formal title of ‘Saint,’ such as St BedeBede, the Venerable (c.673-735) Anglo-Saxon historian and biblical scholar. Sent to study at the monastery of Wearmouth at seven; later transferred to Jarrow. Renowned in his lifetime for his learning, Bede wrote treatises on poetry, time and cosmography. Historical works include History of the Abbots, prose and verse versions of the Life of St Cuthbert and Ecclesiastical History of the English People., St CuthbertCuthbert, St (d. 687) Celtic monk and hermit. Bishop of Lindisfarne 685., St HildHild, St (c.614-680). Sometimes Hilda. Abbess of the double monastery at Whitby., St Columba, and St PaulinusPaulinus, St Bishop of York 627-644. Sent to England with Saint Augustine. Accompanied Queen Ethelburga north on her marriage to King Edwin of Northumbria. Converted King Edwin and the Northumbrians in 627 and founded the first York Minster..

But the Bible also describes every follower of Jesus as a ‘saint,’ someone called to serve God, live out his holiness and priorities, and share his message of forgiveness and new life. So special ‘Saints’ can be very helpful signposts for all of us, inspiring and challenging us by the ways they prayed, thought, acted, and took risks to serve God and others.

‘Christ is the Morning Star, who, when the night of this world is past, gives to his saints the promise of the light of life, and opens everlasting day.’  

BedeBede, the Venerable (c.673-735) Anglo-Saxon historian and biblical scholar. Sent to study at the monastery of Wearmouth at seven; later transferred to Jarrow. Renowned in his lifetime for his learning, Bede wrote treatises on poetry, time and cosmography. Historical works include History of the Abbots, prose and verse versions of the Life of St Cuthbert and Ecclesiastical History of the English People.

Photo Credit: HexhamHexham St Wilfrid founded an abbey here in Northumbria in 674 dedicated to St Andrew. After the Norman Conquest it was re-established as an Augustinian Priory. At the Dissolution of the Monasteries the church was retained as a parish church. The crypt built by St Wilfrid survives AbbeyAbbey 1. Community of monks or nuns under the rule of an abbot or abbess. This is the higher grade of monastery, as opposed to the lower priory. 2. Building which they occupy.

The gold and garnet ‘RiponRipon A cathedral city and market town in North Yorkshire. In the mid-7th century, St Wilfrid (who later became Bishop of York) founded a religious community at Ripon with land granted from the king of Northumbria. Due to Viking incursions, the body of St Cuthbert temporarily resided at Ripon in the 10th century. Jewel’ from the time of St Wilfrid, showing a crossCross Instrument of torture and execution used in the Roman Empire. The means by which Christ was put to death and therefore the primary symbol of the Christian faith, representing the means by which he is believed to have won forgiveness for humankind. The Cross may be represented as Tau-shaped (like a capital T); with a shorter cross-bar or with a circle enclosing the upper intersection (Celtic). In medieval art a cross made of living branches signifies the Tree of Life. St Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, is said to have discovered the True Cross (i.e. the Cross in Jerusalem on which Christ died) in 326. held within the circle of eternity. Copyright Ripon CathedralCathedral (Latin cathedra' throne') Church which contains the throne of the bishop and hence the mother church of the diocese and Helen Tabor Photography

How can the past encourage and equip us today?

The Church born in the North during the Anglo-Saxon period demonstrated an inspiring depth of biblical understanding, spiritualitySpirituality Term used to describe the experiential dimensions of religion, encompassing aspects such as prayer, meditation, contemplation, and mysticism., and creative outreach. This made their worshipWorship 1. Doing homage and giving honour and respect to God. The Bible includes a wide range of physical expression in worship, including bowing down, lifting hands, dancing, processions and singing. The main day on which Christians gather for communal worship is Sunday (the day when Christ is believed to have risen from the dead). 2. Christian liturgy including sung material and prayers of thanksgiving and praise., teaching, evangelism, and discipling accessible, relevant, and powerful. 

Like us, the early ‘Northern saints’ faced strong resistance, unexpected challenges, and conflict – against the background of a constantly shifting, diverse culture. Yet time and again they found new ways forward. 

Their faithFaith 1. Belief and trust in someone or something. 2. Acceptance of particular religious teachings. brimmed over with creativity seen in stunning art and craftsmanship, intriguing poetry, beautiful architecture and music. It sparked an insatiable curiosity about the world around which produced the greatest scholars of the age. They joyfully celebrated the beauty of nature. And their faith was rooted in a quiet confidence that all who wish can join a pilgrimPilgrim 1. In the New Testament and Christian thought, someone engaged in the Christian journey through life towards heaven. 2. Someone who journeys to holy places (such as biblical sites or shrines of the saints) to seek God's help, to give thanks, or as an act of penance journey through life, finding a deep security in the God who created and loves them. For all these reasons, they have much to share with us today. They also offer much to share with those around us seeking answers in their own lives.

Saints in the North

The North has been deeply affected and enriched by the lives and actions of many followers of Jesus through the years. They’ve left their mark on our heritage, our landscape, and our laws, on art and architecture, education and society. Schools, churches, roads, and landmarks across the region still carry their names.

This website offers resources to help us discover and be challenged by the faith and faithfulness of Northern saints, past and present. 

You will find Paulinus, the courageous evangelistEvangelist 1. Used of the four Gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.2. Someone who proclaims the the Christian message or Gospel (evangel).3. A character in John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.; Aidan and Chad, who took God’s love and care to rich and poor alike; and Bede who gave his life to learning and teaching about faith, science, and the arts.  

St AidanAidan, St (d. 651) Monk of Iona, missionary to Northumbria and Bishop of Lindisfarne., LindisfarneLindisfarne Also known as Holy Island, a peninsula off the coast of north-east England (Northumbria), this area is cut off from the mainland by the tide twice a day. A monastic community was founded here by St Aidan, in emulation of Iona. From Lindisfarne, missionary activity was conducted in the kingdom of Northumbria. The Anglo-Saxon community produced saints, the most prominent being St Cuthbert in whose honour the magnificent Lindisfarne Gospels were written.

‘Aidan travelled everywhere, not on horseback but on foot, so when he saw anyone, whether rich or poor, he could invite them to accept the mystery of faith.’

Bede’s History

You can also meet St Hild, an outstandingly wise and influential female leader; Queen Eanfled, who used her position to support missionMission 1. A group of people sent out to share religious faith. 2. The task of sharing faith.; St Cuthbert, whose prayerful simplicity still inspires many;

Ripon Cathedral pulpit showing St Hild. Credit: Ripon Cathedral

Ledger stone commemorating St Wilfrid. Credit: Ripon Cathedral

… and St Wilfrid, who travelled far and wide to preach, teach practical skills, and bring back new ideas which continue to shape church buildings and worship today – and many others.

‘When Wilfrid first came to the kingdom [of the East Saxons] and saw the suffering and famine there, he taught them how to find food by fishing.’ Bede’s History

Bede’s History

These were people who lived in difficult times, facing political turmoil and an often shifting cultural and social context. It was tough to follow Christ but that didn’t stop them from being bold, innovative, and creative in living out and sharing their faith. They cared about creationCreation Christian doctrine, based on the first two chapters of the Book of Genesis and amplified by the theologians, stated that God created 'heaven and earth' ex nihilo, out of nothing. When the physical world had been formed, Adam and Eve were created 'in the image of God', without sin and able to communicate directly with God. Their mandate was to rule as stewards over the natural world., poverty and justice. They transformed the world around them.

Learn more about some of the Northern Saints

Bede shown as a scribe in ‘The Life of St Cuthbert,’ Yates Thompson MS 26 f002r. Courtesy of the British Library Archive

St Bede

‘Candle of the Church’ and Father of English History

Famous internationally for his knowledge of science, the arts, and the Bible. He had also popularised a single universal dating system (BC and AD), which is still in use today, and created the first history of the English.

Cuthbert preaching to people from a village. From Bede’s Life of Cuthbert, MS Yates Thompson 26 f.22v. Courtesy British Library.

St Cuthbert

A man connected with the natural world

A key figure in the history of the North, his name and influence can be found in many places.

St_Hild monument in WhitbyWhitby 1. A monastery was founded in Northumbria in 656 by Oswry, Christian king of Northumbria. The first abbess was Hild or Hilda. 2. Also see Synod of Whitby.. Credit Wilson 44691, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons cr

St Hild

A brilliant light that lit all Britain

St Hild (614–680) was an outstanding female leader who had a huge influence on the Church in NorthumbriaNorthumbria Northumbria was an early medieval Anglian kingdom in what is now Northern England and South Scotland..

Image of St Paulinus at Bishopthorpe Palace Chapel

St Paulinus

Ground breaking missionaryMissionary Someone sent out to share religious faith.

Paulinus was sent by PopePope Head of the medieval church in the West. Used as a title preceding the name of the Bishop of Rome, the head of the Roman Catholic Church Gregory I from RomeRome This Italian city was the capital of the Roman Empire and, with the primacy accorded to the bishops of Rome (the popes), the centre of the Western Church from the late-Antique period onwards. Rome was not only the administrative centre, but an important source of innovation, relics and liturgy. Missionaries from Rome played an important role in the conversion of Anglo-Saxon England from late 6th century onward. to Kent in 601 to help St Augustine in his mission then dispatched to Northumbria as bishopBishop Bishops exercised pastoral care over a diocese and authority to confirm and ordain to bring the ChristianChristian Name originally given to disciples of Jesus by outsiders and gradually adopted by the Early Church to designate all members of the church. faith to Edwin and his kingdom.

St Wilfrid

St Wilfrid

A man of intense spiritual energy and commitment 

One of the great leaders of the Christian church in England at a formative time in its history. He served as a bishop for 46 years and left a lasting mark on Ripon and Hexham.