Saint Ebbe The Elder

Biography

Saint Ebbe The Elder, also known as Saint Aebbe, was born around the year 615 in Northumbria, England. She belonged to a prominent and influential family, being the daughter of the pagan king Aethelfrith, known as the "Ravager of Bernicia," and Princess Aacha of Deira. Ebbe was one of seven children and had notable siblings, including her brother Saint Oswald of Northumbria and her uncle Saint Ethelreda.

Tragically, when Ebbe was just ten years old, her father was killed in battle, leading her mother to seek refuge with their family at the court of King Eochaid Buidhe in Dunadd, in what is now modern-day Scotland. It was during this time that her mother converted to Christianity, which would have a lasting impact on Ebbe's life.

Despite the expectations for her to marry a Scottish prince named Aidan, Ebbe felt a calling to the religious life. She chose to become a Benedictine nun at the double monastery in Coldingham around the year 655. She received the veil from Saint Finan of Iona, committing herself fully to a life dedicated to God.

However, Aidan, who remained determined to marry her, pursued her even after she had taken her vows as a nun. In an attempt to escape his advances, Ebbe sought refuge on a high rock, cutting herself off from the land and Aidan. In a remarkable display of divine intervention, the tide remained high for three days, preventing Aidan from reaching her. Eventually, Aidan acknowledged the supernatural nature of her protection and abandoned his pursuit.

Following these events, Ebbe founded the monastery of Ebchester on the river Dawent in County Durham. This land was generously given to her by her brother, King Oswiu. Later in her life, during a period of upheaval in the kingdom, Ebbe was captured but managed to escape by fleeing in a small boat down the River Humber and out to sea.

Miraculously, a supernatural being guided her boat safely through treacherous waters until it reached a spit of land in Berwickshire. This location was defended on three sides by the sea and on the fourth by swampy land. A group of monks witnessed this miraculous journey and became some of the founding members of the double monastery that Ebbe established there.

Ebbe served as the abbess of the monastery and gained a reputation as a peacemaker among the local community. She had a close friendship with Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, a renowned holy man who usually avoided contact with women but made exceptions to visit Ebbe. In 672, Saint Ethelreda also stayed at Ebbe's monastery as a nun.

Although Ebbe was personally pious, she faced challenges maintaining discipline within her monastery. The monks and nuns became lax and worldly, which led to consequences. One of the brothers, Adomnan, received a vision that prophesied the monastery's destruction by fire. Tragically, this vision came true not long after Ebbe's death.

Saint Ebbe The Elder passed away on August 25, 683 in Coldingham, Berwickshire, Scotland, due to natural causes. Recognized for her exemplary life, devotion to God, and numerous miracles, she was venerated as a saint, though her canonization occurred before the formal process of canonization was established. Saint Ebbe The Elder is commemorated annually on August 25th.