St. Wilfrid, Bishop of York (12 October): Butler's Lives of the Saints

About this sermon

In this episode from Butler’s Lives of the Saints for October 12, we explore the remarkable life of St. Wilfrid (Wilfred), Bishop of York—a towering figure of 7th-century England. Born in Northumbria around AD 634, Wilfrid embraced the monastic life at Lindisfarne, pursued deeper formation in Canterbury, Gaul, and Rome, and returned to England carrying the Roman discipline, sacred music, and zeal for authentic ecclesiastical order. Wilfrid’s path was marked by missionary courage (notably among the Frisians), conflict and reconciliation (over Easter calculation and diocesan governance), monastic foundations at Ripon and Hexham, and pastoral charity that rescued regions from famine and paganism—especially among the South Saxons. Twice appealing to the Holy See, he defended ecclesial discipline while modeling humility, perseverance, and generosity. St. Wilfrid died in AD 709; his relics were later honored with a translation celebrated on October 12. 00:00 Intro & reading begins 00:11 Birth in Northumbria (c. 634) & early formation at Lindisfarne 01:46 Study in Canterbury; journey through Gaul to Rome; Roman discipline & chant 03:36 Return via Lyon; ordination; foundations at Ripon; rise in Northumbria 06:59 Bishop of York; promotion of plainchant; monastic reforms in the North 07:55 Royal tensions & diocesan divisions; Wilfrid’s first appeal to Rome 09:58 Mission to Frisia; conversions and protection by local rulers 10:22 Council in Rome & papal support; imprisonment on return; miraculous deliverances 13:44 Evangelization of the South Saxons; famine relief; teaching to fish; foundations at Bosham & Selsey 16:58 Reconciliation efforts with Archbishop Theodore; partial restorations 18:55 Renewed opposition; ministry in Mercia; second appeal to Rome 21:20 Papal vindication; final years; example of charity and discipline 23:57 Death in AD 709; relics, translation (Oct 12), and enduring legacy 25:20 Closing exhortation: humility, steadfastness, and peace in persecution https://sensusfidelium.com/the-lives-of-the-fathers-martyrs-and-other-principal-saints/october/st-wilfrid-bishop-of-york/ Get Butler's Lives of the Saints here: https://loretopublications.idevaffiliate.com/idevaffiliate.php?id=102&url=1 #StWilfrid #StWilfred #BishopOfYork #LivesOfTheSaints #ButlersLives #CatholicSaints #FeastDay #AngloSaxon #ChurchHistory #CatholicYouTube #Hagiography #GregorianChant #Northumbria #MissionarySaint #Frisia 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴