Saint Wilfrid of York

Biography

Saint Wilfrid of York, also known as Wilfrid of Hexham, Wilfrid of Ripon, and Vilfrido, was born in 634 in Northumbria, England. He was the son of a Northumbrian thegn, but his mother died when he was young, and he did not have a good relationship with his step-mother. At the age of 14, in an effort to escape his difficult family situation, he was sent to the court of Oswy, King of Northumbria. Wilfrid began his studies at the renowned monastery of Lindisfarne, where he spent three years. He then accompanied Saint Benedict Biscop to Rome, where he had the opportunity to study under Archdeacon Boniface. After Rome, Wilfrid stayed in Lyon, France for three years, where he immersed himself in the monastic life. He eventually became a monk but had to leave Lyon due to persecutions against Christians taking place in the area. Following his time in Lyon, Wilfrid was appointed as the abbot of the monastery at Ripon, England. During his five-year tenure, he implemented the Benedictine Rule at the monastery and played a significant role in introducing Roman liturgical practice and rules to the region. His influence was particularly evident at the Synod of Whitby in 664, where he worked to bring unity and conformity to the liturgical practices of the Church. However, Bishop Colman and several monks who opposed the changes withdrew from the synod and the area. Due to his expertise and leadership, Wilfrid was subsequently chosen as the new bishop and traveled to France for his ordination, considering the dissenting northern bishops to be schismatics. However, when he returned to England in 666, he discovered that Saint Chad had been chosen as his replacement in his absence. Notwithstanding this, Wilfrid retired to the monastery at Ripon, continuing to evangelize in Mercia and Kent. In 669, Archbishop Theodore of Canterbury clarified to Saint Chad that Wilfrid deserved to have the position as bishop, resulting in Chad voluntarily withdrawing. Wilfrid then resumed his bishopric. Throughout his tenure, Wilfrid tirelessly worked to enforce Roman rituals, founded Benedictine monasteries, and undertook the challenging task of rebuilding the minster of York. Despite his many responsibilities, Wilfrid maintained a simple and holy life. Political discord arose when Wilfrid encouraged Queen Etheldrida to move to a convent after she no longer wished to live with her husband, King Ecgfrid. This led to Archbishop Theodore subdividing Wilfrid's diocese to diminish his influence. In response, Wilfrid appealed to Rome, and Pope Agatho ruled in his favor, resulting in the removal of the three intruding bishops. However, upon Wilfrid's return to England, King Ecgfrid accused him of purchasing the papal decision. As a result, Wilfrid was imprisoned in Bambrough and subsequently exiled to Sussex. In Sussex, he continued his missionary work among the pagans. In 686, he reconciled with Archbishop Theodore, who had also been working in Sussex. When Aldfrid became the king of Northumbria, Theodore facilitated Wilfrid's return from exile. Wilfrid subsequently served as the bishop of Hexham and later regained the position of bishop of York. However, his attempt to consolidate the dioceses was met with opposition from both the king and Archbishop Theodore. Wilfrid was forced to appeal again to Rome in 704. Through a series of meetings, synods, and rulings, Wilfrid eventually became the bishop of Hexham and Ripon, but not of York. In the end, Wilfrid accepted this outcome, recognizing that the turmoil he had gone through had resulted in everyone involved agreeing to the authority and primacy of the Pope and the Vatican. This was the principle for which he had fought throughout his life. Saint Wilfrid of York died on 24 April 709 in Oundle, Northamptonshire, England. He was canonized as a saint in the Pre-Congregation era. He is regarded as the patron saint of Middlesbrough, England, and the Diocese of Ripon, England. His feast day is celebrated on 24 April, although on some calendars, it is also recognized on 12 October.