Wilfrid
Wilfrid was an influential English bishop and saint, known for his advocacy of Roman church customs and his extensive missionary work. He played a pivotal role in the Synod of Whitby, advocating for the Roman calculation of Easter, and later founded episcopal sees and converted pagans in Sussex. Wilfrid is remembered for his complex career, marked by both significant achievements and considerable conflict.
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Wilfrid was born in Northumbria around 633 and entered religious life as a teenager.
- ›He studied at Lindisfarne, Canterbury, in Francia, and at Rome, learning Roman methods for calculating Easter.
- ›Wilfrid was a key figure at the Synod of Whitby in 664, advocating for the adoption of Roman church practices.
- ›He was appointed Bishop of Northumbria but faced deposition and exile, later appealing to the papacy.
- ›Wilfrid founded an episcopal see in Selsey and converted the pagan inhabitants of the Kingdom of Sussex.
- ›He died in 709 or 710 and was later venerated as a saint.
About Wilfrid
Wilfrid (c. 633 – 709 or 710)
Wilfrid was a prominent English bishop and saint of the 7th century, born into Northumbrian nobility. His life was characterized by a strong advocacy for Roman church customs and significant missionary and episcopal activity across Anglo-Saxon England. He is often seen as a key figure in the Romanization of the English Church.
Early Life and Education
Born around 633 in Northumbria, Wilfrid entered religious life as a teenager. His education was extensive, taking him to Lindisfarne, Canterbury, Francia, and Rome. During his time in Rome, he learned the Roman method for calculating Easter and studied Roman ecclesiastical practices. He returned to Northumbria around 660 and became the abbot of a newly founded monastery at Ripon. He claimed to be the first to introduce the Rule of Saint Benedict into English monasteries.
The Synod of Whitby and Episcopal Career
Wilfrid gained significant fame for his role at the Synod of Whitby in 664, where he acted as spokesman for the Roman position and successfully advocated for the adoption of the Roman Easter calculation. This success led to his appointment as Bishop of Northumbria. However, his consecration was delayed, and upon his return, he found another bishop appointed in his place. After disputes and interventions by Archbishop Theodore of Tarsus, Wilfrid was restored as Bishop of Northumbria, where he served for nine years, founding monasteries and churches.
Conflicts and Later Life
Wilfrid's episcopate was not without its challenges. Disputes with King Ecgfrith of Northumbria led to his expulsion and a journey to Rome to appeal to the papacy. Pope Agatho ruled in his favor, but the king refused to comply. Wilfrid later spent time in Selsey, where he founded an episcopal see and converted the pagan inhabitants of the Kingdom of Sussex. Despite further expulsions and appeals, Wilfrid eventually regained possession of his Northumbrian monasteries, Ripon and Hexham. He died in 709 or 710 and was venerated as a saint after his death.
Legacy and Historical Interpretation
Historians have held differing views on Wilfrid. His followers commissioned a Vita Sancti Wilfrithi (Life of Saint Wilfrid) shortly after his death, and the historian Bede also wrote extensively about him. Wilfrid is remembered for his ostentatious lifestyle, his large retinue, and his strong championship of Roman customs against those of the British and Irish churches. Some see him primarily as an advocate for monasticism, while others view him as a champion of Roman traditions.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Wilfrid's role at the Synod of Whitby?
Wilfrid was chosen to present the Roman position at the Synod of Whitby in 664. His speech advocated for adopting the Roman method for calculating the date of Easter, which helped secure the eclipse of the 'Celtic' party.
Why was Wilfrid consecrated in Gaul?
Wilfrid chose to be consecrated in Gaul because he did not consider the bishops in England at the time to be validly consecrated. He was consecrated by Agilbert, the Bishop of Paris.
What happened after Wilfrid was appointed Bishop of Northumbria?
Upon his return to Northumbria, Wilfrid found that Ceadda had been appointed bishop in his place, likely due to Alhfrith's unsuccessful revolt against King Oswiu while Wilfrid was away. Wilfrid retired to Ripon for a few years.
Where did Wilfrid carry out missionary work?
After being expelled from Northumbria, Wilfrid spent time in Selsey, where he founded an episcopal see and converted the pagan inhabitants of the Kingdom of Sussex to Christianity. He also assisted missionaries in Mercia.
What were the main sources for knowledge about Wilfrid?
The primary sources for Wilfrid's life are the Vita Sancti Wilfrithi (Life of Saint Wilfrid) written by Stephen of Ripon shortly after his death, and the works of the historian Bede, who knew Wilfrid during his lifetime.
Related Saints
Honorius of Canterbury
Honorius of Canterbury was a member of the Gregorian mission who became the Archbishop of Canterbury. He is remembered for consecrating the first native English bishop of Rochester and supporting missionary efforts, particularly Felix among the East Anglians. Honorius was the last of the original Gregorian missionaries to die.
Augustine of Canterbury
Augustine of Canterbury was a Benedictine monk who led the Gregorian mission to Britain in 597 to Christianize Anglo-Saxon pagans. He became the first Archbishop of Canterbury, converting King Æthelberht of Kent and thousands of his subjects. Augustine is remembered for establishing Christianity in Kent and laying the groundwork for the conversion of England.
Aidan of Lindisfarne
Aidan of Lindisfarne was an Irish monk and missionary instrumental in converting the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity in Northumbria. He founded Lindisfarne Priory, served as its first bishop, and traveled extensively to spread the gospel. He is recognized as a saint and known as the Apostle of Northumbria.