Saint Cuthbert

Saint Cuthbert

St. Cuthbert was born in the British Isles. He was a poor shepherd boy who lost his parents when he was very young. Cuthbert loved to play games with his friends and he was good at them.

One of his friends scolded him one day saying, “Cuthbert, how can you waste your time playing games when you have been chosen to be a priest and a bishop?” These words sounded strange coming from his playmate – as though they were not his own. Cuthbert was confused and very impressed and he wondered if he really was going to be a priest and a bishop.

In August, 651, 15 year old Cuthbert received a vision. He first saw a totally black sky. Then suddenly a bright beam of light moved across it. In the light were angels carrying a ball of fire up beyond the sky. Sometime later, Cuthbert found out that on the night of the vision, the bishop, St.Aidan, had died.

From one village to another, from house to house, St.Cuthbert went on horse or on foot. He visited the people to help them spiritually. He also worked and helped plague victims. Best of all, he could speak the language of the peasants because he had once been a poor shepherd boy.

He did good everywhere and brought many people to God. Cuthbert was cheerful and kind. People felt attracted to him and no one was afraid of him. He was also a prayerful, holy monk who had the gifts of healing and prophecy.

When Cuthbert was ordained a bishop, he worked just as hard as ever to help his people. He visited them no matter how difficult the travel on poor roads or in bad weather. As he lay dying, Cuthbert begged his monks to live in peace and charity with everyone.

He died peacefully at Lindisfarne, in 687. His body has been laid to rest in Durham Cathedral and can be visited today.

As he is the patron saint of our school, we hold a celebration every year.