Saint Caedwalla of Wessex

Biography

Saint Caedwalla of Wessex, also known as Caedwalla of Wales, Cadwallader, Cadwallador, Cadwalla, Cadwallon, Ceadwalla, Cedualla, and Peter, was born around 658 in Wessex, England. He was the son of Coenberht and was also descended from King Ceawlin of Wessex. Caedwalla's life took a dramatic turn when he was exiled from his homeland. However, he later returned to claim the throne of Wessex, asserting his rightful position through both diplomacy and warfare. As king, Caedwalla expanded the territory under Wessex's rule through conquest. In one notable campaign, he annihilated the pagan inhabitants of the Isle of Wight in order to bring his own people there to colonize the island. During his time as king, Caedwalla of Wessex experienced a transformative event that changed the course of his life. In 688, he was wounded in combat on the Isle of Wight, and it was during his recovery that he encountered Saint Wilfrid, who was known for his missionary work in England. It was through Saint Wilfrid's influence and teachings that Caedwalla converted to Christianity, embracing the faith wholeheartedly. After embracing Christianity, Caedwalla made the decision to abdicate his throne as king of Wessex. He then embarked on a journey to Rome, Italy, where he sought baptism. On the 10th of April in 689, he was baptized by Pope Saint Sergius I and took the name Peter. Caedwalla's devotion to his new faith was evident, as he wore his white baptism robe until his death ten days later on the 20th of April 689. Caedwalla of Wessex's life and conversion were so notable that he was written about by the Venerable Bede in his "History of the English Church." Bede's account helped to preserve Caedwalla's story and highlight his significance in the early Christianization of England. Saint Caedwalla of Wessex, although known for his military conquests and expansion of Wessex, is revered by many as a patron saint of converts. His own conversion and subsequent commitment to his newly embraced faith serve as an inspiring example for those seeking spiritual transformation. Additionally, Caedwalla is also recognized as a patron saint for reformed murderers, a testament to the forgiveness and redemption found within the Christian faith. Following his death, Caedwalla's remains were interred in a crypt at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, where they reside to this day. While Caedwalla of Wessex was canonized as a saint, his canonization occurred before the establishment of the formal canonization process, thus placing him in the pre-congregation period. Saint Caedwalla of Wessex's feast day is celebrated on the 20th of April, commemorating his remarkable journey of faith and his enduring legacy as a patron saint for converts and reformed murderers.