St. Hugh Bishop of Lincoln (17 November): Butler's Lives of the Saints

About this sermon

In this powerful narration from Butler’s Lives of the Saints, we explore the extraordinary life of St. Hugh of Lincoln, born in 1140 and one of the most beloved bishops in English history. From his early formation in solitude to his profound humility, deep prayer life, and fearless moral courage before kings, St. Hugh stands as a timeless example of holiness, charity, and fearless pastoral leadership. Raised in Burgundy and drawn early to religious life, Hugh entered the Carthusian Order, embracing contemplation, silence, and purity of heart. His sanctity was so evident that King Henry II personally requested him to establish the first Carthusian monastery in England at Witham. Later appointed Bishop of Lincoln, Hugh became known for his uncompromising justice, compassionate care for the poor and lepers, and unwavering defense of the Church’s rights—standing firm even before kings Henry II, Richard I, and John. This reading captures Hugh’s heroic humility, burning love of God, ascetic discipline, and spiritual wisdom, culminating in his holy death on November 17, 1200. Canonized shortly after, St. Hugh remains a shining light of sanctity, courage, and charity. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Butler’s Lives of the Saints 00:20 – Early life of St. Hugh in Burgundy 01:14 – His education and spiritual formation 01:34 – First encounter with the Carthusian order 02:06 – His call to embrace the solitude of Chartreuse 02:24 – Interior trials and spiritual purification 03:01 – Preparation for priesthood & humble fear of ordination 03:20 – Ten years of monastic life and rising reputation 03:34 – King Henry II requests Hugh for Witham monastery 04:23 – Hugh arrives in England and restores Witham 04:50 – His influence and growth of the monastic community 05:14 – King Henry’s prayer in a storm & miraculous deliverance 06:00 – Hugh chosen as Bishop of Lincoln 06:20 – His work in restoring ecclesiastical discipline 07:08 – Charity to the poor and lepers 07:36 – Deep devotion and observance of Divine Office 08:15 – Annual retreat to Witham & spiritual reflections 09:03 – His desire to resign the episcopacy 09:18 – His courage in dealing with kings 10:03 – Reforming injustices of royal foresters 11:04 – Conflict & reconciliation with King Henry II 11:48 – Church reforms and discipline changes 12:30 – Completion of Lincoln Cathedral 12:37 – Relations with Kings Richard I and John 12:52 – Ambassador to King Philip Augustus of France 13:30 – Warning to religious against idle curiosity 13:33 – Final illness and holy preparation for death 14:07 – Last blessings and peaceful passing 14:42 – Funeral attended by kings & miracles at his tomb 15:16 – Canonization and enduring legacy https://sensusfidelium.com/the-lives-of-the-fathers-martyrs-and-other-principal-saints/november/st-hugh-bishop-of-lincoln/ Get Butler's Lives of the Saints here: https://loretopublications.idevaffiliate.com/idevaffiliate.php?id=102&url=1 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 Support Catholic Businesses here - https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ Sensus Fidelium Press - https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ Sensus Fidelium Apps - https://sensusfidelium.tv/ Support Sensus Fidelium - https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 🙏🏻PLEASE HELP OUR CHANNEL GROW 🙏🏻 ▶ 1. Become a Channel Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SensusFidelium ▶ 2. Visit the website https://www.sensusfidelium.com for Gueranger, Saint of the Day, Apologetics, Meditation by the Saints, Scripture Study and more. ▶ 3. Subscribe to Other Video Platforms 🔴 SpiritusTV - https://spiritustv.com/@SensusFidelium 🔴 BitChute --- https://www.bitchute.com/channel/Sensus_Fidelium/ 🔴 Rumble --- https://rumble.com/c/c-298311 🔴 My Catholic Tube - https://mycatholictube.com/videos/sensus-fidelium-channel/ 🔴 LBRY.tv --- https://lbry.tv/@SensusFidelium:c 🔴 ODYSEE - https://odysee.com/@SensusFidelium:c 🔴 UGETube - https://videos.utahgunexchange.com/@Sensus%20Fidelium 🔴 BrandNewTube - https://brandnewtube.com/@SensusFidelium 🔴 GabTV - https://tv.gab.com/channel/Sensus_Fidelium 🔴 GloriaTV - https://gloria.tv/Sensus%20Fidelium 🔴 Brighteon - https://www.brighteon.com/channels/sensusfidelium ▶ 4. Paypal, Bitcoin, Anedot, Stripe, Square & PO Box donations - https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ ▶ 5. YouTube: Click Subscribe, then Click "Notification Bell" = 🔔 Please "Like" our videos so that Youtube shares it to others by clicking the "Like" thumbs-up under the video = 👍🏻 ▶ 6. Please share this video 📲, and help others find Christ inside the Catholic Church! Please share this video on Facebook and Twitter using the share button. #SaintHugh #HughOfLincoln #LivesOfTheSaints #CatholicSaints #ButlersLives #Carthusian #CatholicHistory #MedievalChurch #SaintOfTheDay #November17 #ChristianSaints #Catholic #MonasticLife #CarthusianOrder #SpiritualClassics