Saint Ethelwald of Farne

Biography

Saint Ethelwald of Farne, also known as Ethelwald the Hermit, Aethelwold, Edelwald, and Oidilwald, was a Priest and Benedictine monk who lived during the 7th century in England. He is widely known for his remarkable life as a hermit on the island of Inner Farne. Born in England, Ethelwald was drawn to a life dedicated to God from a young age. He entered the monastery of Ripon as a Benedictine monk and wholeheartedly embraced the monastic way of life. His commitment to prayer, contemplation, and asceticism was noteworthy among his peers, and his deep spirituality inspired many around him. Ethelwald's yearning for solitude and a more solitary and secluded life led him to seek a hermitage. In 687, he found an ideal place for his hermetic life on the island of Inner Farne, off the coast of Northumberland. This small, remote island became his sanctuary, where he could devote himself entirely to God. The island of Inner Farne offered Ethelwald the isolation and solitude he sought, allowing him to deepen his relationship with God through prayer and contemplation. Despite the island's harsh conditions and isolation, Ethelwald adamantly continued his vocation as a hermit, dedicating himself to a life of penance and spiritual discipline. Word quickly spread about Ethelwald's holiness and devotion, and many sought him out for guidance and spiritual solace. Pilgrims and visitors began to travel to the island to seek his counsel and receive his blessing. It is said that Ethelwald possessed the gift of invoking God's protection over the island and its visitors. One of the most renowned aspects of Ethelwald's life was his ability to perform miracles, particularly in averting impending storms that threatened the lives of those who journeyed to Farne. Through his fervent prayers, storms that would have endangered the visitors' lives would miraculously subside, ensuring their safe passage to the island. Saint Ethelwald lived a remarkably simple and austere life on Inner Farne, spending his days in prayer, fasting, and manual labor. He immersed himself in the contemplation of divine mysteries, constantly striving for spiritual perfection. Ethelwald peacefully departed from this earthly life in the spring of 699, succumbing to natural causes. His mortal remains were laid to rest on Lindisfarne Island, next to the tombs of Saints Cuthbert and Edbert. Over the years, as Lindisfarne faced Viking invasions and other threats, the relics of these saints were moved from place to place for their protection, and Ethelwald's were among them. Eventually, the relics of Saint Ethelwald, along with those of Saint Cuthbert, found their final resting place in Durham Cathedral. The cathedral became an important place of pilgrimage, where the faithful could honor the memory and seek the intercession of these holy men. Saint Ethelwald of Farne was venerated as a saint even before the official canonization process was established. His holy life, miracles, and profound love for God continue to inspire and bring hope to all who learn about his remarkable journey as a hermit and servant of God.