Richard of Chichester
Richard of Chichester was a 13th-century Christian bishop who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic and Anglican churches. He is remembered for his asceticism, his dedication to clerical reform, and a popular prayer attributed to him. His shrine in Chichester Cathedral became a significant pilgrimage site before its destruction during the English Reformation.
- Feast Day
- April 3
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›He served as the Christian Bishop of Chichester from 1244 to 1253.
- ›Richard was known for his rigid frugality, temperance, and ascetic lifestyle, including wearing a hair-shirt and being a vegetarian.
- ›He championed clerical reform, enforcing strict moral codes and disciplinary measures for clergy.
- ›His election as bishop was contested by King Henry III, but ultimately confirmed by Pope Innocent IV.
- ›A popular prayer ascribed to him begins with the lines, "Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ."
- ›His translated saint's day, June 16, is celebrated as Sussex Day.
Richard de Wych
Sussex
Pastoral Staff, Greek Cross
About Richard of Chichester
Richard of Chichester, also known as Richard de Wych, was a significant figure in 13th-century England, serving as the Christian Bishop of Chichester from 1244 to 1253. Canonized in 1262, he is venerated as a saint in both the Catholic and Anglican churches.
Life and Ministry
Born into a gentry family near Droitwich, Worcestershire, Richard's early life was marked by family impoverishment. He pursued a life of study and the Church, rejecting a proposed marriage and family inheritance. His education at the University of Oxford led to him becoming its chancellor. He was deeply influenced by Archbishop Edmund of Abingdon, sharing his ideals of clerical reform and supporting papal rights. Richard served as chancellor of the diocese of Canterbury and accompanied Edmund into exile.
After studying theology with the Dominicans at Orléans, Richard returned to England and served as a parish priest before being reappointed chancellor of Canterbury. In 1244, he was elected Bishop of Chichester, a choice initially opposed by King Henry III. Despite royal opposition and confiscation of church revenues, his election was confirmed by Pope Innocent IV.
Richard's episcopate was characterized by rigid asceticism; he was a vegetarian, wore a hair-shirt, and refused to eat off silver. He was known for his temperance and frugality, cultivating figs in his spare time and visiting his entire diocese on foot. He was also known for his strictness towards usurers, corrupt clergy, and priests who mumbled the Mass, and for his diligence in preaching crusades.
Episcopal Statutes and Reforms
Upon regaining full control of the see's rights and revenues in 1246, Richard enacted a body of statutes aimed at reforming the manners and morals of his clergy and improving the order and reverence of church services. These statutes addressed issues such as clerical marriage, the conduct of priests, the payment of tithes, and the proper administration of sacraments. He was also militant in protecting the clergy from abuse and upholding the right of sanctuary.
Shrine and Legacy
Richard's tomb in Chichester Cathedral became a popular place of pilgrimage, with many miracles believed to have been wrought there. His canonization by Pope Urban IV in 1262 solidified his saintly status. The shrine was destroyed in 1538 by order of Thomas Cromwell on behalf of King Henry VIII, due to perceived superstition and idolatry.
Richard of Chichester is the patron saint of Sussex in southern England. His translated saint's day, June 16, is celebrated as Sussex Day. He is remembered for his popular prayer, often quoted as "Day by day, dear Lord, of thee three things I pray: To see thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly, Follow thee more nearly." This prayer was famously adapted into the song "Day by Day" for the musical Godspell. Modern veneration includes a shrine in Chichester Cathedral, housing relics believed to be his.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Richard of Chichester bishop?
Richard of Chichester served as the Christian Bishop of Chichester from 1244 until his death in 1253.
What is Richard of Chichester known for?
He is known for his ascetic lifestyle, his efforts in clerical reform, and a widely recognized prayer attributed to him. His shrine in Chichester Cathedral was also a major pilgrimage site.
What is Richard of Chichester's feast day?
His feast day is April 3rd in the Roman Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church (USA). In some provinces of the Anglican Communion, it is celebrated on June 16th, which is also Sussex Day.
Why was Richard of Chichester's shrine destroyed?
During the reign of Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell ordered the destruction of the shrine in 1538, citing superstition and idolatry. The king sought to remove all objects of veneration that might detract from the honour due to God.
What are some of the rules Richard of Chichester established for his clergy?
Richard established statutes that mandated married clergy be deprived of their benefices, required chastity vows for ordination candidates, and emphasized the importance of residence, hospitality, and tithing for rectors. He also set standards for liturgical practices and clerical dress.
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