Saint Esterwine of Wearmouth

Biography

Saint Esterwine, also known as Easterwine, Eosterwine, or Esterwinus, was born in the year 650 in Northumbria, England. He hailed from a noble family and from an early age, his life was intertwined with the religious and political affairs of the kingdom. As a young man, Esterwine joined the army of King Egfrid of Northumbria, serving as a soldier. However, his calling to a deeper spiritual life became evident, and at the age of 24, he decided to leave the military and embrace monasticism. Esterwine sought out his relative, Saint Benedict Biscop, who had recently established the famous Wearmouth Abbey, and together they became monks of the Benedictine Order. Under the guidance of Saint Benedict, Esterwine dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the monastic life. He fully embraced the communal lifestyle, living and working side by side with his fellow monks. Esterwine's devotion, humility, and gentleness towards all those around him earned him a reputation as a holy and compassionate individual. In 679, Esterwine was ordained as a priest, enabling him to further deepen his spiritual service. He continued his monastic journey at Wearmouth Abbey, playing a significant role in the growth and development of the community. After the death of Saint Benedict in 682, Esterwine became the new abbot, taking on the responsibility of leading the monastery. Under Esterwine's leadership, Wearmouth Abbey flourished, both spiritually and intellectually. He encouraged the pursuit of knowledge and scholarly activities, recognizing the importance of education in fulfilling the call to serve God and others. The Abbey became renowned for its scriptorium, where illuminated manuscripts were painstakingly created by the monks. Despite his elevated position, Esterwine never let the demands of leadership distance him from his brothers in the monastery. He continued to live a life of simplicity, choosing to work alongside his fellow monks and sharing in their daily tasks. Esterwine's presence in the community was seen as a source of inspiration and his humility set an example for all. Saint Esterwine's earthly journey came to an end on 6 March 686, as he passed away peacefully from natural causes. Following his death, he was interred by the door of the Church of Saint Peter at Wearmouth Abbey, a fitting place for a man who had spent much of his life serving God within its walls. Over time, the impact of Saint Esterwine's life and spiritual legacy continued to be felt. His relics were eventually translated to a shrine near the high altar of the church, where pilgrims could come and seek his intercession. Later on, he was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, although this occurred prior to the establishment of the formal canonization process, making him a pre-congregation saint. While there is no specific patronage associated with Saint Esterwine, his example of gentleness, humility, and dedication to the monastic life continues to inspire and guide individuals seeking to live a life of deep spirituality and service to God.