24 April 2024 - Wednesday of the 4th week of Eastertide
Later, he was appointed as the Bishop of York and traveled to France for consecration. During his absence, Chad was consecrated and served as the Bishop of York for four years. St. Wilfrid established a monastery in Oundle and acted as a bishop in Mercia during this time. Archbishop Theodore later installed him as the Bishop of York, where he governed for nine years. Additionally, St. Wilfrid founded the Abbey of Hexham.
Unfortunately, he faced opposition from King Egfrith of Northumbria and Archbishop Theodore, who divided his diocese into four parts without his consent. St. Wilfrid sought justice in Rome and successfully appealed his case. However, upon his return to Northumbria, he was falsely accused of forging the pope's bull and imprisoned. After his release, he traveled to Sussex and spent five years preaching the Gospel to the pagan inhabitants. He also helped them during a time of famine by teaching them how to fish, which earned their goodwill.
St. Wilfrid's efforts were fruitful, and he furthered his success by establishing a monastery in Selsey. Archbishop Theodore, on his deathbed, reconciled with St. Wilfrid and even considered nominating him as his successor in the See of Canterbury. However, St. Wilfrid declined the offer but utilized Theodore's support to facilitate his return to Northumbria.
After a few years, his adversaries appeared to have made his situation so challenging that he retired to Mercia. Following the death of St. Chad, he assumed the role of Bishop of Lichfield and dedicated his efforts to that diocese for a decade. He was summoned back to face trial by a council of nobles and bishops in Northumbria, where he was once again condemned and sought recourse in Rome. Once more, his appeal was successful, and this time the judgment from Rome was accepted in Northumbria.
The remaining years of his life were spent in a relatively secluded manner, primarily residing in Hexham and Ripon. His final public act was the consecration of Evesham Abbey. On his journey back home, he passed away at his monastery in Oundle in the year 709 and was laid to rest in Ripon.
Wilfrid was an exceptionally versatile and accomplished individual, surpassing his contemporaries and those of any era. He possessed remarkable skills as a builder, had a deep passion for knowledge, and was a skilled musician. He possessed the ability to create awe-inspiring effects through art and religious ceremonies. Moreover, he was a founder and mentor to both individuals and structures. In essence, he was a truly exceptional creative artist.
Patronage: Middlesbrough, England; diocese of Ripon, England
Symbols and Representation: Fallen idols; fish; font; pallium and crosier; model of a cathedral; ship and staff; depicted baptizing; depicted preaching; landing from a ship and received by the king; or engaged in theological disputation with his crozier near him and a lectern before him.
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