![[St. Pachomius Library]](title.gif)
St. Aidan,
Abbot-Bishop of Lindisfarne
VII Century
A native of Ireland, St. Aidan (Aedhan) is said to have studied
with St. Senan at Iniscathy before becoming a monk at Iona,
where Oswald of Northumbria was in exile. When the first
mission to Northumbria failed, Oswald, who had since regained
his kingdom, requested that Aidan, known for his zeal, preach
to his people. In 635, Aidan was consecrated bishop and
established his see at Lindisfarne; he chose 12 Northumbrian
boys, among them Chad, Cedd, and Eata, to be educated to minister
to the people Aidan had converted. Aidan travelled by foot
through his diocese, where he strengthened communities and
established missions. He was on good terms with Oswald's
successor, Oswin, and Aidan died at the royal castle at Bamburgh
in 651. He was buried at Lindisfarne.
After the Synod of Whitby, St. Colmán took some of Aidan's
relics to Ireland; the remaining relics were removed before a
Danish attack in 875. In 995, his relics were translated to
Durham Cathedral for burial with St. Cuthbert, who is reported
to have seen Aidan's soul transported to heaven.
Karen Rae Keck
Return to St Pachomius Library.