Saint Chad of Litchfield

Last Monday was the feast day of Saint Chad, Bishop of Litchfield. He was born in Northumbria (where Whitby is located) and he plus three brothers became priests. He was educated by the great Saint Aiden of Lindesfarne.His brother Cedd founded a monastery at a remote spot at Lastingham as described by the Venerable Bede (see below). After Cedd’s death Chad was Abbot here before becoming Bishop.

For a long time I have found the Celtic saints of the North of Britain very attractive. The more I learn the more I like them. Today Sister Pam, no small authority on these men and women, drove me out to Lastingham across the high moors. What an amazing place, austere and mysterious and covered with free range sheep.