Preface #

¹ To the holy and most blessed Father, Bishop Eadfrid, and to all the brothers in Christ who faithfully serve Him on the Island of Lindisfarne, I, Bede, your faithful fellow servant, send my greetings.

² Since you, my beloved, have asked me to include a preface to the book I have written at your request about the life of our father Cuthbert, of blessed memory—a custom I usually follow to provide readers with insight into your request and my willingness to fulfill it—it has seemed fitting to me to do so. In this preface, I wish to remind those among you who already know, and inform those readers who may be unaware, that I have not undertaken the writing of any of the deeds of so great a man without careful and thorough investigation. Nor have I entrusted what I have written to be copied without the most accurate examination of reliable witnesses.

³ Moreover, after learning from those who were familiar with the beginning, middle, and end of his glorious life and conduct, I occasionally included the names of these sources to affirm the truth of my narrative before venturing to commit it to writing. Once the work was composed, though not yet released for public reading, I frequently submitted it to our revered brother, Herefrid the priest, and others who had long been acquainted with the life and character of this man of God. At their suggestion, I carefully amended certain details, removing every doubt or error, and ensured that what I recorded was entirely accurate. I then brought the completed work before you, my brothers, so that by the authority of your judgment, what I had written might either be corrected, if found false, or affirmed as true.

⁴ While I undertook this task with God’s help, and my book was read over two days by the elders and teachers of your community, it was examined carefully in every detail. No faults were found that required correction. On the contrary, everything I had written was unanimously declared worthy to be read without hesitation and to be copied by any who were moved by their devotion to do so. In addition, you yourselves, in my presence, contributed many other accounts of no less significance than those I had included, recounting further deeds and virtues of that blessed man. These accounts were undoubtedly deserving of mention, but I refrained from incorporating new material into a work that, after careful consideration, I regarded as complete.

⁵ Furthermore, I feel it is right to encourage your gracious community that, just as I have not delayed in rendering prompt obedience to your commands, so you should not delay in bestowing upon me the reward of your intercessions. When you read this book and, in pious remembrance of that holy father, lift up your souls in ardent longing for the heavenly kingdom, do not forget to implore God’s mercy on behalf of my unworthiness. May your prayers help me to earnestly desire, with a pure heart, to behold the goodness of our Lord in the land of the living, both now and in eternal happiness.

⁶ And when my life has ended, I ask you to pray for the redemption of my soul. As I have been your friend and faithful servant, offer masses on my behalf and enroll my name among your own. Most holy bishop, do not forget the promise you made to me to do this, and the instructions you gave to your devout brother Guthfrid to enroll my name even now in the white book of your holy congregation as a testimony of this future enrollment.

⁷ Your holiness should also know that I have already written the life of this same beloved father, both in heroic verse and in this prose work, which I now present to you. Although the poetic version is somewhat briefer, it follows the same order. This I undertook at the request of some of our brethren, and if you wish to have a copy of those verses, you can obtain one from me. In the preface to that work, I promised to write more fully at a later time about his life and miracles. That promise, as far as God has permitted me, I have endeavored to fulfill in the present work.

⁸ Therefore, it is my heartfelt prayer that Almighty God may graciously protect your holinesses, keeping you in peace and safety, my dearest brethren and revered masters. Amen!

Chapter 1 #

¹ The beginning of the account of the blessed Cuthbert’s life is fittingly introduced by the prophet Jeremiah, who, in praise of the perfection of the solitary life, declares: “It is good for a man to bear the yoke from his youth. Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him”. Inspired by the sweetness of this good, Cuthbert, a man of God, submitted himself from his earliest years to the discipline of monastic life. When the opportunity arose, he embraced the solitary life with joy, withdrawing for extended periods to sit apart in silence, savoring the sweetness of divine contemplation and refraining from human conversation.

² This capacity for solitude and divine meditation in his later years was a gift of God’s grace, which had been guiding him toward the path of truth from his earliest days. Even during his eighth year, the beginning of boyhood that follows infancy, he engaged only in the innocent games and pastimes natural to children. In this way, it could be said of him, as it was of Samuel, “And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people”.

³ At that time, Cuthbert did not yet know the Lord, nor had the voice of the Lord been revealed to him. Such was the description of his boyhood—a stage of life in which he was destined, as he matured, to come to a perfect knowledge of the Lord, opening the ears of his heart to receive the voice of God. As we have mentioned, he delighted in merriment and noise, and naturally at his age, he enjoyed the company of other boys, joining eagerly in their games and sports. Being naturally agile and sharp of mind, he often outperformed his peers in their boyish contests. Frequently, when the others grew tired, he alone would persist, looking around triumphantly to see if anyone was left to challenge him. Whether it was jumping, running, wrestling, or any other physical activity, he prided himself on surpassing all those of his own age—and even some who were older. For, as the Scripture says, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things”. So too, when Cuthbert reached manhood, he fully and abundantly laid aside these youthful pursuits.

⁴ From the very beginning, Divine Providence provided a suitable guide to restrain the youthful impulses of Cuthbert’s mind. As Trumwine of blessed memory recounted to me, based on Cuthbert’s own account, an extraordinary event occurred one day during a gathering of boys who were playing their usual games in a field. Among the group was Cuthbert, and as part of the lively antics of boyhood, some of the children began twisting their bodies into unusual, exaggerated shapes.

⁵ Suddenly, a child who appeared to be about three years old ran up to Cuthbert. In a firm and serious tone, the boy exhorted him to abandon idle play and foolishness, and instead to develop the faculties of his mind along with the strength of his body. When Cuthbert dismissed the boy’s words lightly, the child fell to the ground and began to weep bitterly. The other boys rushed over to console him, but he continued crying. They asked why he had burst into tears so suddenly. Finally, the boy replied, and turning directly to Cuthbert, who was now trying to comfort him, he said: “Why, holy Cuthbert—priest and bishop-to-be—do you give yourself to these frivolous pursuits, which are so contrary to your nature and calling? It is not fitting for you to play among children when the Lord has appointed you to be a teacher of virtue, even to those who are older than you.”

⁶ Cuthbert, being naturally of a good and gentle disposition, listened attentively to these words. Comforting the crying child with affectionate gestures, he immediately abandoned his trivial games and returned home. From that moment, he began to display a remarkable strength of character and a resolute mind, as though the same Spirit who had spoken to him outwardly through the boy now worked inwardly within his heart. We should not be surprised that God used the voice of a child to correct the youthful flippancy of another, for the same God once made a mute animal speak to restrain the folly of a prophet. Indeed, it is written in praise of such marvels: “Out of the mouths of babes and infants, You have perfected praise”.

Chapter 2 #

¹ But, as it is written, “To everyone who has, more will be given, and they will have an abundance”. That is, to everyone who has the determination and love of virtue, Divine Providence will grant an abundance of grace. Since Cuthbert, the servant of God, carefully kept in his heart the lessons he had received from human admonition, he was also deemed worthy to be comforted by the presence and conversation of angels.

² At one point, he was afflicted with a sudden and severe pain in his knee. It swelled into a large tumor, the nerves of his thigh became contracted, and he could only limp along painfully, dragging his diseased leg behind him. Eventually, the pain worsened, and he was unable to walk at all. One day, as he was being carried outside by his attendants to rest in the open air, he suddenly saw a man on horseback approaching from a distance. The man was clothed in shining white garments, and his presence was noble and awe-inspiring, while the horse he rode was of incomparable beauty. The man drew near to Cuthbert, greeted him kindly, and asked playfully whether Cuthbert had no hospitality to offer such a guest. Cuthbert replied, “I would be most willing to rise and attend to you in every way possible, but I am bound by this infirmity because of my sins. For a long time now, I have suffered from this painful swelling in my knee, and no physician, despite all their efforts, has been able to cure me.”

³ The man dismounted from his horse and began to examine the swollen knee attentively. Then he said, “Boil some wheaten flour in milk and apply the poultice warm to the swelling, and you will be healed.” With this advice, he remounted his horse and departed. Cuthbert followed the man’s instructions, and after a few days, he was completely healed. At once, he realized that it had been an angel who had appeared to him, sent by God—the same God who once sent His archangel Raphael to restore Tobit’s sight.

⁴ If anyone finds it difficult to believe that an angel might appear on horseback, let them recall the account in the Book of Maccabees, where angels are said to have come riding on horses to aid Judas Maccabeus and defend the temple of God.

Chapter 3 #

¹ From this time onward, the young Cuthbert became wholly devoted to the Lord. As he later assured his friends, he often prayed to God amidst the dangers that surrounded him and was protected by angelic assistance. Moreover, his compassionate piety extended to others in peril, for he frequently prayed on their behalf, and his prayers were heard by God, who listens to the cry of the poor. Many men were thus delivered from their tribulations through his intercession.

² There is a monastery located to the south, not far from the mouth of the River Tyne. At that time, it was inhabited by monks, though now, like all things subject to time, it has changed and is occupied by a devout company of virgins consecrated to Christ. On one occasion, these pious servants of God had set out to bring timber for the monastery, traveling by ship along the river. When they had reached the spot where they intended to bring the vessels ashore, a violent wind suddenly rose from the west, driving their ships away and scattering them far from the river’s mouth. The brethren, observing this from the monastery, launched boats into the river in an effort to rescue those aboard the ships. However, their efforts were in vain, as the combined force of the tide and the strong winds rendered them powerless to reach the distressed vessels.

³ In their despair of human help, they turned to God, and leaving the monastery, they gathered on a rocky outcrop near where the ships were being tossed about by the sea. There, they knelt and earnestly prayed to the Lord for those they saw in such imminent danger of destruction. However, God’s will was not quick to grant their petitions, no doubt to reveal the power of Cuthbert’s prayers. A large crowd had gathered on the other side of the river, and Cuthbert was among them. As the monks looked on in sorrow, watching the five ships being swiftly carried out to sea until they appeared like five seabirds on the waves, the crowd began to mock their way of life. They claimed the monks deserved this loss for abandoning the ordinary ways of living and establishing new rules to guide their conduct. Cuthbert silenced the blasphemers, saying, “Why do you revile those whom you see being driven to destruction? Would it not be better and more compassionate to entreat the Lord on their behalf rather than take pleasure in their misfortunes?”

⁴ But the rustics, with angry hearts and furious words, turned on him and shouted, “No one shall pray for them! May God spare none of them, for they have taken away the ancient rites and customs of our ancestors, and no one knows how to follow these new ones!” At this, Cuthbert knelt down to pray, bowing his head to the ground; immediately, the power of the winds was stilled, and the ships, to the great joy of their crews, were brought safely to shore near the monastery, exactly where they had intended to land. The rustics, ashamed of their lack of faith, at once praised Cuthbert’s faith as it deserved and never ceased to do so afterward. One of the most worthy brothers of our monastery, from whose mouth I received this account, testified that he had often heard it told by one of those who witnessed it—an honest man of the simplest nature, entirely incapable of telling a falsehood.

Chapter 4 #

¹ But as the grace of Christ, which guides the lives of the faithful, had ordained that His servant should attain the merit of a stricter way of life and earn the glory of a greater reward, it happened that he was once tending a flock of sheep entrusted to him in distant mountains. One night, while his companions were asleep and he, as was his custom, remained awake in prayer, he suddenly saw a long stream of light pierce the darkness of the night. In the midst of it, a host of heavenly beings descended to the earth, and after receiving among them a soul of surpassing brightness, they swiftly returned to their heavenly home. The young man, beloved by God, was deeply moved by the vision and, inspired to pursue the honors of spiritual warfare and to win for himself eternal life and joy among God’s mighty ones, he immediately offered praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. With heartfelt exhortations, he urged his companions to follow his example.

² “Miserable men that we are,” he said, “while we give ourselves over to sleep and idleness, we take no care to behold the light of God’s holy angels, who never sleep. Behold, while I remained awake and in prayer for only a short portion of the night, I witnessed such great wonders of God. The door of heaven was opened, and amid a company of angels, the soul of a holy man was led within. Now, forever blessed, he beholds the glory of the heavenly dwelling and Christ its King, while we still remain in the darkness of this earthly life. I believe it must have been some holy bishop or a favored one from among the faithful whom I saw being carried into heaven with such great splendor by that multitude of angels.” As the man of God spoke these words, the hearts of the shepherds were stirred to reverence and praise. When morning came, he learned that Aidan, bishop of the Church of Lindisfarne, a man of great holiness, had departed to the heavenly kingdom at the very moment of his vision. Without delay, he returned the sheep he had been tending to their owners and resolved at once to enter a monastery.

Chapter 5 #

¹ When he began to carefully consider his decision to embark on a more disciplined way of life, God’s grace was revealed to him, strengthening his mind in its purpose. He was shown with the clearest evidence that those who seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness will also receive everything necessary for their physical needs, in accordance with the Divine promise. One day, while traveling alone, he turned aside at the fourth hour into a distant village that he had found along the way. There, he entered the house of a devout mother of a family to rest for a while and to obtain food for his horse rather than for himself, as it was the beginning of winter. The woman welcomed him kindly and urged him to allow her to prepare some dinner so he could refresh himself. However, the man of God declined, saying, “I cannot eat yet, for today is a fast day.” It was the sixth day of the week, when many of the faithful, out of reverence for the Lord’s Passion, observe a fast until the ninth hour. The woman, motivated by hospitality, continued to insist. “Look,” she said, “on the road you are taking, there is neither village nor house; you have a long journey ahead and will not reach your destination before sunset. I beg you to take some food before you go, or else you will have to fast all day, and perhaps even until tomorrow.” Despite her persistent urging, his devotion prevailed, and he fasted the entire day until evening.

² As evening approached and he realized that he could not complete his intended journey that day, and that there was no house nearby where he could spend the night, he soon came upon some shepherds’ huts. These huts, having been lightly built for the summer, were now abandoned and in a state of ruin. He entered one of them, tied his horse to the wall, and placed before it a handful of hay that the wind had blown down from the roof. He then turned his thoughts to prayer, but as he was singing a psalm, he suddenly saw his horse lift its head and pull some straw from the roof. Among the falling straw, a folded linen cloth dropped down with something inside. When he had finished his prayers, he went to see what it was, opened the cloth, and found inside half a loaf of bread, still warm, along with some meat—enough of both to provide him with a single meal.

³ In gratitude for God’s goodness, he exclaimed, “Thanks be to God, who in His bounty has deigned to provide a meal for me when I was hungry, as well as supper for my beast.” He then divided the piece of bread into two parts, giving one to his horse and keeping the other for himself. From that day onward, he became even more willing to fast, as he was now convinced that the food had been provided for him in the wilderness by the gift of the same God who once fed the prophet Elijah through ravens when there was no one to minister to him. For the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him and trust in His mercy, that He may save their souls from death and provide food for them in times of hunger. I learned these details from a devout man of our monastery at Wearmouth, a priest named Ingwald, who, due to his extreme old age, is now focusing with a pure heart on spiritual matters rather than earthly and carnal concerns. He stated that his account was based on none other than the testimony of Cuthbert himself.

Chapter 6 #

¹ Meanwhile, this reverent servant of God, abandoning worldly things, quickly submitted himself to monastic discipline. Inspired by his heavenly vision to desire the joys of eternal happiness, and encouraged by the food with which God had provided for him, he was ready to endure hunger and thirst in God’s service. He knew that the Church of Lindisfarne was home to many holy men whose teaching and example could instruct him, but he was drawn by the great reputation of Boisil, a monk and priest of exceptional virtue, and chose to reside in the abbey of Melrose. It happened that when he arrived there and dismounted from his horse to enter the church for prayer, he handed his horse and traveling spear to a servant, for he had not yet abandoned the dress and habits of a layman. Boisil, who was standing at the monastery’s entrance, was the first to see him. Foreseeing in spirit the great man the stranger would become, he made a single remark to those around him: “Behold, a servant of the Lord!”—thus imitating Him who, upon seeing Nathanael approach, said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”. I was told this by the venerable priest and servant of God, the devout Sigfrid, who was present when Boisil spoke these words. At that time, Sigfrid was a young man just beginning his monastic training in the same monastery, but now he is a man perfected in the Lord, living in our monastery at Jarrow, longing in his final moments for a blessed entrance into eternal life. Without further words, Boisil warmly welcomed Cuthbert as he approached, and upon hearing the reason for his coming—that he wished to choose the monastery over the world—he kept him close, for Boisil was the prior of that very monastery.

² After a few days, when Eata—who was then priest and abbot of the monastery, but would later become bishop of Lindisfarne—arrived, Boisil spoke to him about Cuthbert, describing him as a young man of great promise. He obtained permission for Cuthbert to receive the tonsure and be admitted among the brethren. Once he had entered the monastery, Cuthbert applied himself to its rules with the same zeal as the others, and indeed sought to surpass them by embracing an even stricter discipline. In reading, working, keeping vigil, and praying, he excelled beyond them all. Like the mighty Samson of old, he carefully abstained from every drink that could intoxicate, but he could not practice the same abstinence from food, lest his body be weakened and less capable of labor. For he was of a strong and vigorous constitution, possessing great physical endurance, and was well-suited for any task he chose to undertake.

Chapter 7 #

¹ Some years later, it pleased King Alfred, for the redemption of his soul, to grant Abbot Eata a certain tract of land called Inrhipum, on which to build a monastery. In response to this grant, the abbot constructed the intended building and placed there several of his fellow monks, among whom was Cuthbert. He established for them the same rules and discipline that were observed at Melrose. It happened that Cuthbert was assigned the duty of welcoming strangers, and it is said that he once entertained an angel of the Lord who came to test his piety. For early one morning, as he went from within the monastery to the guesthouse, he found a young traveler seated there, whom he believed to be an ordinary man and welcomed accordingly. He offered him water to wash his hands, washed his feet himself, wiped them, and humbly dried them in his own bosom. After this, he urged the traveler to remain until the third hour of the day and have breakfast, lest he should suffer from hunger and the harsh winter cold if he continued his journey on an empty stomach. Cuthbert assumed that the man, having traveled a long distance through the night and endured a heavy snowfall, had stopped to rest in the morning. However, the traveler replied that he could not stay, as the home to which he was hurrying was still far off.

² After much pleading, Cuthbert solemnly urged him in God’s name to stop. By this time, the third hour had come, and after finishing his prayers, it was time for breakfast. He set a table with some food before the young man and said, “Please, brother, eat and refresh yourself while I go to fetch some hot bread, which must be ready by now.”

³ When Cuthbert returned, the young man, whom he had left eating, was gone. What puzzled him even more was that there were no footprints in the fresh snow, which should have clearly shown where the man had gone. Amazed, the man of God pondered these events. As he put the table back in the dining room, a wondrous and sweet fragrance suddenly filled the air. Looking around to find the source, he saw three loaves of bread, whiter and finer than any he had ever seen. Trembling at the sight, Cuthbert said to himself, “I realize now that the one I entertained was an angel of the Lord. He did not come to be fed but to feed us. Behold, he has brought bread unlike anything this earth has ever produced! It is whiter than lilies, sweeter than roses, and surpasses honey in taste. Surely, it is not of this world but sent from paradise. No wonder he declined my offer of earthly food—he partakes of the bread of heaven.” This powerful miracle inspired the man of God to greater fervor in works of piety. As his good deeds increased, so did God’s grace upon him. From that time on, he frequently saw and spoke with angels, and when he was hungry, God provided him with miraculous food.

⁴ He was kind and approachable in his demeanor. When speaking to the brothers about the deeds of their predecessors as an encouragement toward piety, he would also, with great humility, share the spiritual blessings that God’s love had bestowed upon him. However, he was careful to do this in a discreet way, presenting the events as though they had happened to someone else. Even so, his listeners understood that he was speaking about his own experiences, following the example of that great teacher who sometimes spoke openly about his own merits, yet at other times said, while seeming to speak of another, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven”.

Chapter 8 #

¹ Meanwhile, as everything in this world is frail and subject to change—like the sea during a storm—Abbot Eata, along with Cuthbert and the other brethren, were expelled from their monastery, which was then given to others. However, this upheaval did not dampen Cuthbert’s zeal for the spiritual battle he had undertaken. He continued steadfastly to follow the teachings and example of the blessed Boisil.

² Around this time, as his friend Herefrid the priest (formerly abbot of the monastery of Lindisfarne) recounts, Cuthbert fell ill with a pestilential disease that was affecting many people in Britain. The brothers of the monastery spent the entire night in prayer, asking God to restore his health and keep him with them, as they believed it essential for such a holy man to remain among them. They prayed without his knowledge, and when they told him about it the next morning, he exclaimed, “Why am I still lying here? I could not believe that God would ignore your prayers. Bring me my staff and shoes!” With that, he got out of bed and attempted to walk, leaning on his staff. As his strength gradually returned, he quickly recovered. However, although the swelling on his thigh disappeared outwardly, it left a lasting effect. The pain sank inward and caused him discomfort for the rest of his life. As the Apostles say, “His strength was perfected in weakness”.

³ When the servant of the Lord, Boisil, saw that Cuthbert had recovered, he said, “You see, my brother, how you have been restored from your illness. I assure you that it will trouble you no more, and you are not destined to die just yet. However, since death is near for me, I advise you to learn from me all that you can while I am still able to teach you. I have only seven days of health left to use my voice and body.” Cuthbert, fully trusting Boisil’s words, asked him what he should begin reading so they could complete it within seven days. Boisil replied, “The Gospel of John. I have a copy divided into seven sections. With God’s help, we can read one section each day and meditate on it to the best of our ability.”

⁴ They followed Boisil’s advice and quickly completed their study, for their focus was solely on cultivating the simple faith that works through love, avoiding unnecessary or intricate debates. After their seven days of study, Boisil passed away from the illness and entered into the eternal joy of life with God. It is said that during those seven days, Boisil foretold everything that would happen to Cuthbert, as he was known to be both a prophet and a man of exceptional piety. Indeed, as mentioned earlier, three years prior, Boisil had predicted to Abbot Eata that this pestilence would come. He also foretold that he himself would die from it, while the abbot would die of another illness—what physicians call dysentery. This, too, proved true.

⁵ Among his other prophecies, Boisil told Cuthbert that he would one day be ordained as a bishop. However, when Cuthbert later became a hermit, he kept this prophecy to himself. With great humility and sorrow, he told the brethren who came to visit him that even if he lived in a simple hut on a remote rock, surrounded by the ocean and cut off from the rest of the world, he still would not consider himself safe from the temptations of the world. He confessed that he feared, at some point, he might fall victim to the love of riches.

Chapter 9 #

¹ After Boisil’s death, Cuthbert assumed the responsibilities of the office previously mentioned and carried them out for many years with the utmost pious zeal, as befitted a saint. He not only provided instruction and a godly example to the brethren in the monastery but also worked tirelessly to guide the minds of the local people toward a love for heavenly things. Many of these people brought disgrace to the faith they professed through unholy deeds. Some, during times of plague, neglected the sacraments of their faith and instead turned to idolatrous remedies. They sought protection through charms, amulets, or other practices rooted in the magical arts, as though such things could shield them from the punishment of the Lord. To correct these errors, Cuthbert often left the monastery, traveling either on horseback or on foot, to preach the way of truth in the surrounding villages, just as Boisil, his predecessor, had done before him.

² At that time, it was customary for the English people to gather whenever a cleric or priest entered a village, eagerly listening to his words so they might learn from him and amend their lives. Cuthbert, being highly skilled in teaching and passionately devoted to his mission, inspired such trust and awe that no one dared to hide their thoughts from him. All openly confessed their sins, believing it impossible to conceal anything from his discernment and hoping to receive forgiveness through honest confession.

³ Cuthbert often chose to visit villages in remote and rugged mountain regions—places avoided by others due to their poverty and the natural difficulties of the terrain. Yet even in such desolate places, his zealous spirit found opportunities to exercise his teaching ministry. He would often stay for a week, sometimes two or three weeks, or even an entire month, without returning home. During these extended visits, he lived among the mountain people, instructing them not only through his sermons but also through the example of his own holy life.

Chapter 10 #

¹ During the time when this holy man was becoming widely known for his virtues and miracles, a devout woman named Ebbe, a servant of Christ, served as abbess of a monastery located in what was then called the city of Coludi. Ebbe was distinguished not only for her deep piety but also for her noble heritage, being the half-sister of King Oswy. Moved by a desire to benefit her community, she sent messengers to this man of God, earnestly inviting him to visit her monastery. Recognizing this invitation as a genuine act of devotion from a fellow servant of the Lord, Cuthbert willingly responded. He traveled to the monastery and remained there for several days. During his stay, he greatly encouraged the members of the community through his example and teaching. By his holy way of life, he confirmed the truth of the Gospel he proclaimed, fulfilling the apostolic charge to “be imitators of me, as I am of Christ”.

² Here, as in other places, he would go out during the night while others were asleep, spending the hours in watchful prayer before returning to the monastery at the time of morning prayer. On one particular night, a brother from the monastery noticed him leaving alone and, curious about his actions, secretly followed him to observe what he would do.

³ Cuthbert, upon leaving the monastery, made his way down to the sea that lay below. Entering the water until it reached his neck and arms, he remained there throughout the night, offering praise to God. As dawn approached, he emerged from the water and knelt on the shore to pray again. While he was praying, two creatures from the sea, identified as otters, came up to him on the sand. They lay before him, breathed upon his feet, and dried them with their fur. After receiving his blessing, the otters returned to the sea, their native home. Cuthbert himself returned home in time to join in the accustomed hymns with the other brethren. The brother, who waited for him on the heights, was so terrified that he could hardly reach home; and early in the morning he came and fell at his feet, asking his pardon, for he did not doubt that Cuthbert was fully acquainted with all that had taken place. To whom Cuthbert replied, " What is the matter, my brother ? What have you done? Did you follow me to see what I was about to do? I forgive you for it on one condition,-that you tell it to nobody before my death." In this he followed the example of our Lord, who, when He showed his glory to his disciples on the mountain, said, " See that you tell no man, until the Son of man be risen from the dead." When the brother had assented to this condition, he give him his blessing, and released him from all his trouble. The man concealed this miracle during St. Cuthbert’s life; but, after his death, took care to tell it to as many persons as he was able.

Chapter 11 #

¹ Meanwhile, the man of God grew ever stronger in the spirit of prophecy, foretelling future events and describing to those around him things that were happening elsewhere. On one occasion, he left the monastery for a necessary purpose and traveled by sea to the land of the Picts, known as Niduari. Two of the brethren accompanied him, one of whom later became a priest and shared the account of the miracle the man of God performed there.

² They arrived in Niduari the day after Christmas, confident that the calm weather and tranquil sea would allow them to return quickly. Trusting in these favorable conditions, they had brought no provisions. However, their expectations were soon dashed. After they reached the shore, a sudden tempest arose, making it impossible for them to set sail and return.

³ After spending several days in this place, enduring cold and hunger, the day of the holy Epiphany drew near. The man of God, who had passed the night in prayer and vigil rather than in idleness or despair, addressed his companions with his customary cheerfulness and encouragement: “Why are we sitting here idle? Let us do all we can to help ourselves. The ground is blanketed with snow, the sky is heavy with clouds, and the winds and waves are entirely against us. We are weak with hunger, and there is no one here to come to our aid. Let us call upon the Lord with fervent prayers. He opened a path through the Red Sea for His people and miraculously fed them in the wilderness—surely, He can also have compassion on us in our distress. If our faith does not falter, I do not believe He will allow us to fast all day, especially on this day, which He once made so radiant with His heavenly glory. So come with me, I urge you, and let us see what provision He has prepared for us, so that we may share in His joy and celebrate with thanksgiving.”

⁴ After speaking these words, Cuthbert led them to the shore where he had been accustomed to pray at night. Upon their arrival, they discovered three pieces of dolphin flesh, as though someone had cut and prepared them for cooking. Overwhelmed with gratitude, they knelt down and gave thanks to God. “See, my beloved brethren,” Cuthbert said, “how great is the grace of God to those who place their hope and trust in Him. Behold, He has provided food for His servants. Moreover, by the number three, He shows us how long we are to remain here. Accept the gifts Christ has sent us; let us go, eat, and strengthen ourselves. Remain here without fear, for in three days the storm will surely subside, and there will be calm both in the skies and on the sea.”

⁵ Everything happened just as he foretold. The storm raged violently for three days, but on the fourth day, as promised, the calm arrived. With a fair wind, they returned home safely.

Chapter 12 #

¹ On a certain day, Cuthbert was leaving the monastery to preach, accompanied by only one attendant. As they walked, they grew weary, though a significant part of their journey remained before they could reach the village where they were headed. Turning to his companion, Cuthbert asked, “Where shall we stop to take refreshment? Or do you know of anyone along the road who might offer us shelter?” The boy answered, “I was just thinking about the same thing. We have brought no provisions with us, and I do not know anyone along the way who could take us in. We still have a long journey ahead, and I do not see how we can complete it without eating.” The man of God replied, “My son, learn to have faith and trust in God. He will not allow those who trust in Him to perish from hunger.” Then, looking up and seeing an eagle soaring in the sky, Cuthbert said, “Do you see that eagle above us? It is entirely possible for God to provide for us through that eagle.”

² As they continued their conversation, they came near a river, and there stood the eagle on its bank. “Look,” said the man of God, “there is our servant, the eagle, just as I told you. Go and see what provision God has sent us, then return and tell me.” The boy ran ahead and found that the eagle had just caught a large fish. Overjoyed, he brought it back to Cuthbert. But the man of God gently reproved him, saying, “What have you done, my son? Why have you not shared part of the fish with God’s servant, the eagle, who worked so faithfully for us? Cut the fish in two and give her one portion, for she deserves her reward.” The boy obeyed, dividing the fish and offering half to the eagle, then carried the remaining portion with them on their journey. When they reached a village and it was time to eat, they gave the fish to be cooked. They enjoyed a fine meal, sharing it with their hosts.

³ While there, Cuthbert preached the word of God and gave thanks for His mercies, saying, “Blessed is the one whose hope is in the name of the Lord and who does not turn to vanity or deceit.” Afterward, they resumed their journey to preach to the people they were traveling to meet.

Chapter 13 #

¹ Around the same time, as Cuthbert was preaching the word of life to a large group of people gathered in a village, he suddenly perceived in his spirit the presence of our ancient enemy, coming to hinder the work of salvation. Acting swiftly, he offered words of warning to guard against the snares and schemes he saw approaching. “Dearest brethren,” he said, “whenever you hear the mysteries of the heavenly kingdom being proclaimed, you must listen with an attentive heart and vigilant spirit. Beware, lest the devil, who has countless ways to harm you, distracts you with unnecessary cares and prevents you from receiving the word of salvation.”

² Having said this, he resumed his sermon. Almost immediately, that wicked enemy unleashed a supernatural fire that set a nearby house ablaze. Flames seemed to leap through the air, accompanied by a storm of wind and thunder that shook the heavens. Most of the crowd, alarmed, rushed to extinguish the fire with water, though Cuthbert managed to hold a few back. Despite their efforts, no amount of real water could put out the illusory flames. Finally, Cuthbert prayed, and the devil, the author of this deceit, was driven away. With his retreat, the false fire vanished.

³ Witnessing this, the crowd was overcome with shame and humility. Falling to their knees before him, they begged for forgiveness, admitting their lack of steadfastness and recognizing that the devil never ceases his attempts to thwart the salvation of souls. Cuthbert, however, comforted them in their weakness. Reassuring them of God’s grace, he resumed preaching the words of everlasting life.

Chapter 14 #

¹ Cuthbert’s power was not limited to extinguishing an illusory fire, for he also quelled a real one through the fervency of his prayers, even after many had failed to put it out using all the water they could find. While traveling and preaching the message of salvation, much like the apostles of old, Cuthbert entered the home of a pious woman who often hosted him during his journeys. She had nursed him during his infancy, and because of this, he affectionately called her his mother. Her home was located at the western edge of the village.

² No sooner had Cuthbert entered the house to preach than a fire broke out at the opposite end of the village. The flames spread rapidly, fanned by a strong wind coming from the west. Sparks from the burning thatch were carried across the entire village, causing panic among the people. Despite their efforts, those who tried to douse the fire with water were driven back by the intense heat. The faithful woman ran to Cuthbert, pleading with him to save them before the fire consumed her home and the rest of the village. “Do not fear, mother,” he replied. “Take heart; this consuming flame will not harm you or your household.”

³ Cuthbert then left the house and prostrated himself on the ground before its door. As he prayed fervently, the wind miraculously shifted, blowing from the west and carrying the fire away from the house and out of danger. In these two miracles, Cuthbert displayed the virtues of two of the holy fathers. In the case of the apparition of fire, he followed the example of the reverend and holy Saint Benedict, who, by his prayers, dispelled the vision of a fiery kitchen that the old enemy had placed before his disciples’ eyes. And in extinguishing the real fire, he imitated the venerable priest Marcellinus of Ancona, who saved his burning town by standing before the flames and putting them out through prayer, when all the efforts of his townspeople with water had failed. It is no wonder that such faithful and holy servants of God were granted power over the force of fire, for through their daily devotion they conquered the desires of the flesh and extinguished all the fiery darts of the evil one. To them, the words of the prophet apply: “When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you”.

⁴ But as for me, and others like me, who are deeply aware of our own frailty and spiritual sluggishness, we know we have no such power over physical fire. Indeed, we are uncertain even of our ability to escape unscathed from the eternal fire of punishment, which shall never be extinguished. Yet we place our hope in the abundant and mighty love of our Savior. Though we are unworthy and unable in this life to quench the fires of sinful passions, we trust in His grace to shield us from both the flames of judgment and the punishment in the life to come.

Chapter 15 #

¹ As we have recounted above how this venerable man triumphed over the devil’s deceptive schemes, let us now show how he overcame the devil’s open and blatant hostility. There was a certain nobleman in the service of King Egfrid, named Hildemer, who, along with his household, was devoted to good works. Because of this, Saint Cuthbert held him in special affection and often visited him whenever his travels brought him nearby.

² One day, Hildemer’s wife, a woman known for her dedication to giving alms and other virtuous deeds, was suddenly seized by a demonic affliction. She began gnashing her teeth, crying out in pitiable agony, and flailing her arms and limbs in such a terrifying manner that all who saw or heard her were overcome with dread. While she lay in this dreadful state and seemed near death, her husband quickly mounted his horse and rode to seek the man of God. Pleading with Saint Cuthbert, he said: “My wife is gravely ill and on the verge of death. I beg you to send a priest to visit her before she passes, so she may receive the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ. And when she dies, I ask that she be buried in this holy place.”

³ Hildemer, however, was too ashamed to reveal that his wife had lost her senses, as Saint Cuthbert had always known her to be sound of mind. While Saint Cuthbert went to find a priest to send to her, he began to reflect. He realized that this was no ordinary illness but a direct assault from the devil. So, he returned to Hildemer and said, “I will not send anyone to her; instead, I will go myself to visit her.” Whilst they were going, the man began to cry, and the tears ran down his cheeks, for he was afraid lest Cuthbert, finding her afflicted with a devil, should think that she had been a false servant of the Lord, and that her faith was not real. The man of God consoled him: " Do not weep because I am likely to find your wife otherwise than I could wish; for I know that she is vexed with a devil, though you are afraid to name it: and I know, moreover, that, before we arrive, she will be freed, and come to meet us, and will herself take the reins, as sound in mind as ever, and will invite us in and minister to us as before; for not only the wicked but the innocent are sometimes permitted by God to be afflicted in body, and are even taken captive in spirit by the devil."

⁴ Whilst he thus consoled the man, they approached the house, and the evil spirit fled, not able to meet the coming of the holy man. The woman, freed from her suffering, rose up immediately, as if from sleep, and, meeting the man of God with joy, held the bridle of his horse, and, having entirely recovered her strength, both of mind and body, begged him to dismount and to bestow his blessing upon her house; and ministering sedulously to him, testified openly that, at the first touch of the rein, she had felt herself relieved from all the pain of her former suffering.

Chapter 16 #

¹ While this venerable servant of the Lord distinguished himself for many years through remarkable examples of spiritual excellence in the monastery of Melrose, its reverend abbot, Eata, decided to transfer him to the monastery on the island of Lindisfarne. There, Cuthbert was to teach the principles of monastic perfection as the monastery’s leader and exemplify those principles through his virtuous life. Both monasteries were under the jurisdiction of the same abbot, Eata.

² It should not seem surprising that, although Lindisfarne is a small island, we have spoken of both a bishop and now an abbot and monks being present there—this is, in fact, the reality. The island, inhabited by servants of the Lord, contains both a bishop and a monastic community, all of whom are monks. This tradition began with Aidan, the first bishop of Lindisfarne, who was himself a monk. He and all his followers lived according to the monastic rule. Thus, from Aidan’s time to the present day, the leaders of the community have exercised the episcopal office while maintaining the monastic way of life. Although the monastery is governed by an abbot, chosen with the consent of the brethren, all members of the community—including priests, deacons, singers, readers, and other ecclesiastical officers of various ranks—strictly observe the monastic rule, as does the bishop himself.

³ The blessed Pope Gregory affirmed his approval of this way of life when he responded to Augustine, his first missionary to Britain, who had asked how bishops should live among their clerics. Among other instructions, Pope Gregory said: “Because, my brother, you were raised in the monastic rule, you should not separate yourself from your clerics. In the English Church—which, thanks be to God, has recently been converted to the faith—you should establish the same system that has existed in our Church from its very beginning among our ancestors, where no one said that anything they possessed was their own, but all things were held in common”.

⁴ When Cuthbert came to the church and monastery of Lindisfarne, he exemplified and taught the brethren the principles of the monastic rule through both his actions and his teachings. True to his custom, he frequently traveled among the neighboring people, inspiring them to seek and labor for heavenly rewards. Moreover, Cuthbert became increasingly renowned for his miracles. Through the fervor of his prayers, he restored many who were suffering from various illnesses and afflictions to full health. He cast out unclean spirits from some individuals, healing them either by laying hands on them, praying over them, or commanding the demons to depart. In some cases, even when he was absent, he healed others through his prayers or by foretelling their recovery. Among those he delivered in this way was the wife of the aforementioned nobleman.

⁵ There were some brethren in the monastery who preferred their ancient customs to the new regular discipline. But he got the better of these by his patience and modest virtues, and by daily practice at length brought them to the better system which he had in view. Moreover, in his discussions with the brethren, when he was fatigued by the bitter taunts of those who opposed him, he would rise from his seat with a placid look, and dismiss the meeting until the following day, when, as if he had suffered no repulse, he would use the same exhortations as before, until he converted them, as I have said before, to his own views. For his patience was most exemplary, and in enduring the opposition which was heaped equally upon his mind and body he was most resolute, and, amid the asperities which he encountered, he always exhibited such placidity of countenance, as made it evident to all that his outward vexations were compensated for by the internal consolations of the Holv Spirit.

⁶ Cuthbert was so fervent in his devotion to watching and praying that it is believed he sometimes went three or four nights in a row without rest. During these times, he did not return to his own bed nor make use of any accommodations offered by the brethren for rest. Instead, he would spend his time alone, praying in some secluded spot, or singing psalms while engaging in manual work, using labor to overcome his drowsiness. At other times, he would walk around the island, carefully observing everything on it, using the activity to break the monotony of continual psalmody and watching.

⁷ Finally, he did not hesitate to admonish the brethren for their lack of endurance if they became annoyed by anyone who disturbed their rest at night or interrupted their afternoon naps with an untimely request. “No one,” he said, “can offend me by waking me from sleep; on the contrary, it brings me joy. By rousing me from idleness, they enable me to do or think of something useful.”

⁸ So devout and zealous was Cuthbert in his longing for heavenly things that, whenever he celebrated the solemnity of the Mass, he could never reach its conclusion without shedding abundant tears. While presiding over the sacred mysteries of our Lord’s Passion, he embodied what he was celebrating. With a contrite heart, he offered himself as a sacrifice to the Lord. When he called on those present to lift up their hearts and give thanks to the Lord, it was not merely his voice that was lifted—it was his heart. His spirit groaned within him more deeply than any outward song could express. In his fervor for righteousness, he was passionate in correcting sinners, yet gentle and full of compassion when forgiving the penitent. Often, he would weep alongside those who confessed their sins, pitying their weaknesses and guiding them with his own righteous example toward the path they should follow. Cuthbert’s simplicity extended to his attire. He wore garments of ordinary quality—neither overly fine nor carelessly shabby. Because of his example, even to this day it is customary in that monastery for no one to wear robes of rich or luxurious colors. Instead, they are content with garments in the natural hues of sheep’s wool.

⁹ Through these and similar spiritual practices, this venerable man inspired the virtuous to follow his example and guided the wicked and wayward back from their errors to a life of righteousness.

Chapter 17 #

¹ After spending several years in the monastery, Cuthbert was overjoyed to finally receive the abbot’s blessing, along with the support of his fellow monks, to withdraw into the solitude he had long desired. He rejoiced at being deemed worthy, after so much time spent engaged with the world, to enter into a life of retreat and divine contemplation. He took delight in fulfilling the state described by the Psalmist: “The holy shall walk from virtue to virtue; the God of gods shall be seen in Zion”.

² When he first embraced the solitary life, Cuthbert chose a secluded place on the outskirts of the monastery. There, through prayer and fasting, he wrestled against the unseen adversary. But after some time, striving for greater spiritual progress, he sought out a more remote and isolated place for his battle against temptation—far from the eyes of others.

³ He eventually came to a small island known as Farne, located in the open sea. Unlike Lindisfarne, which is connected to the mainland at low tide and separated at high tide, Farne lies several miles further east, completely encircled by the vast and boundless ocean. Until the time of God’s servant Cuthbert, no one had dared to dwell on this island alone because of the evil spirits believed to inhabit it. However, when Cuthbert arrived, equipped with “the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”, he extinguished all the fiery darts of the wicked one. The enemy and his followers were driven out, defeated by this devoted servant of Christ.

⁴ Having driven out the spiritual oppressors, Christ’s soldier, Cuthbert, became the rightful ruler of the land and established a dwelling worthy of his mission. He constructed a small settlement that reflected his calling. The main building was nearly circular in shape, with a diameter of four to five poles. The exterior wall stood taller than a man, but Cuthbert excavated the rock inside to make it significantly deeper. This ensured that neither his eyes nor his thoughts could wander beyond the confines of his retreat, allowing his mind to focus entirely on heavenly matters. From within his sanctuary, the pious hermit could see nothing but the heavens above. The wall itself was not made from cut stones, bricks, or mortar, but from rough stones and turf taken from the ground inside the enclosure. Some of these stones were so massive that four men would have struggled to lift them, yet Cuthbert, with the aid of angels, was able to set them in place to complete the wall.

⁵ The interior of his dwelling consisted of two rooms: one served as an oratory for prayer, and the other for daily living. He finished the walls of these rooms by digging into the natural soil, both inside and out, and constructed the roof using rough wooden poles and straw.

⁶ At the island’s landing point, Cuthbert built a larger house to accommodate visiting brethren, offering them a place to rest. Nearby, he provided a spring of fresh water for their use, ensuring their needs were met during their time on the island.

Chapter 18 #

¹ Cuthbert’s own dwelling lacked a water source, as it was built on hard, stony ground. The man of God, however, did not despair. He called for the brethren—since at that time he had not yet completely withdrawn from receiving visitors—and said to them, “You see that my dwelling has no water. Let us pray to Him who turned solid rock into a pool of water and stones into flowing springs, that He may graciously provide us with a spring here—not for our glory, but for the glory of His name. Let us dig in the middle of my hut, and I trust that, by His good pleasure, He will grant us water to drink.” The brethren obeyed and dug a pit. By the next morning, they found it filled with water, bubbling up from the ground. There could be no doubt that this spring was brought forth by the prayers of God’s servant from what had been dry, stony earth. Remarkably, the water displayed a wondrous property: it never overflowed its original boundary to flood the floor, nor did it ever run dry, no matter how much was drawn from it. It provided exactly what was needed each day to sustain Cuthbert, never exceeding or falling short of his daily needs.

² After Cuthbert, with the help of the brethren, had built his dwelling and chambers, he began to live in greater seclusion. At first, when the brethren came to visit him, he would leave his cell to serve them. He would wash their feet with warm water, performing this task with deep devotion. On occasion, the brethren would insist that he take off his shoes so that they might wash his feet in return. Cuthbert, however, had so thoroughly withdrawn his attention from caring for his physical needs and focused it on the welfare of his soul that he often went for months without removing his leather gaiters. Sometimes, he would wear his shoes from one Easter to the next, only taking them off when it was time for the foot-washing at the Lord’s Supper.

³ As a result of his constant prayers, kneeling, and other acts of devotion, often with his shoes on, he developed a callosity at the junction of his feet and legs. Over time, as his desire for spiritual perfection grew, he withdrew even further, retreating into his cell where he spent his days in fasting, prayer, and vigilant watchfulness. He rarely communicated with anyone outside, and then only through the window, which he initially left open so he could see and be seen. Eventually, he closed the window, opening it only when he needed to give his blessing or for other matters of absolute necessity.

Chapter 19 #

¹ At first, he received a small portion of bread from his visitors and drank water from the fountain, but later he thought it more appropriate to live by the work of his own hands, like the fathers of old. Therefore, he asked them to bring him some farming tools and wheat to sow. However, when he planted the grain in the spring, it did not grow. When the monks visited him again, he said, “Perhaps the nature of the soil or the will of God does not allow wheat to grow in this place. Please bring me some barley instead; perhaps that will succeed. If, after trying, it does not, it would be better for me to return to the monastery than to live here supported by the labor of others.” The barley was brought and sown, though it was an unusually late season, and it grew most unexpectedly and abundantly.

² As soon as the barley began to ripen, the birds came and wasted it severely. Christ’s holy servant, as he later recounted—since he would often, in a cheerful and friendly manner, strengthen the faith of his listeners by sharing the mercies his own faith had obtained from the Lord—approached the birds and said, “Why do you touch what you have not sown? Do you have more right to it than I do? If God has given you permission, then do as He allows; but if not, depart and do no more harm to what belongs to another.” No sooner had he spoken than the entire flock of birds flew away and never returned to feed in that field again. In these two miracles, this revered servant of Christ followed the example of two of the fathers: by drawing water from the rock, he imitated the holy St. Benedict, who performed a similar act, though on a larger scale, as more people were in need of water; and by driving away the birds, he followed the example of the reverend and holy father St. Antony, who, by his word alone, drove wild asses away from the garden he had planted.

Chapter 20 #

¹ I am inclined to recount another miracle that he performed in imitation of the aforementioned father, St. Benedict, in which the obedience and humility of birds serve as a rebuke to the stubbornness and pride of humanity. There were some crows that had long been accustomed to building their nests on the island. One day, the man of God saw them pulling the thatch from the hut he had built to receive the brethren and carrying it away for their nests. Stretching out his hand, he warned them not to harm the brethren. When they ignored his command, he said, “In the name of Jesus Christ, leave this place at once and do not presume to remain here any longer, for you are causing harm.” Scarcely had he spoken these words when they flew away in sorrow.

² After three days, one of the two crows returned and, finding the man of God working in the field, spread its wings in a pitiable manner, lowered its head at his feet, and by the most expressive signs it could, humbly begged for pardon. The reverend father granted permission for it to stay, and it soon departed to bring back its companion. When they both returned, they carried in their beaks a large piece of hog’s lard, which the man of God kept and used to show to visiting brethren. He would use it to grease their shoes, demonstrating to them how earnestly they should pursue humility, since even a dumb bird, after acting insolently, hastened through prayers, lamentation, and gifts to make amends for the harm done to man. Finally, as an example of reformation for mankind, these birds remained on the island for many years, building their nests without ever again causing disturbance to anyone.

³ Let no one think it foolish to learn virtue from birds, for Solomon says, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise”.

Chapter 21 #

¹ Not only did the animals of the air and the sea obey the venerable man, but even the sea itself, like the air and fire on previous occasions we have mentioned, demonstrated its obedience to him. It is no wonder that every creature submitted to his will, for he faithfully and wholeheartedly obeyed the great Creator of all things. However, we have largely lost our dominion over creation, which has been subjected to us, because we fail to obey the Lord and Maker of all.

² The sea itself, I say, showed the most willing obedience to Christ’s servant when he had need of it. He planned to build a small room in his monastery to meet his daily needs, and on the side facing the sea, where the waves had carved out a hollow, it was necessary to place a support across the opening, which was twelve feet wide. He therefore asked the brethren who visited him to bring a twelve-foot beam for the construction when they returned next time. They readily promised to do so and, after receiving his blessing, departed. However, by the time they reached home, they had completely forgotten his request and, on their next visit, failed to bring the timber they had promised.

³ He received them kindly, welcomed them in God’s name, and asked about the wood he had requested them to bring. Then, remembering their promise, they apologized for their forgetfulness. Cuthbert, with the utmost gentleness, reassured them and invited them to stay the night, saying, “For I do not believe that God will forget my service or my needs.” They accepted his invitation, and when they arose in the morning, they saw that the tide had, during the night, brought ashore a beam of the exact size required and placed it precisely where the intended chamber was to be built. When they beheld this, they marveled at the holiness of the venerable man, seeing that even the elements obeyed him. They were deeply ashamed of their forgetfulness and laziness, for they were taught by the inanimate elements themselves the obedience that ought to be shown to God’s holy saints.

Chapter 22 #

¹ Many people came to the man of God, not only from the furthest parts of Lindisfarne but even from the more remote regions of Britain, drawn by the fame of his virtues. They came to confess the errors they had committed, the temptations of the devil they endured, or the common afflictions of mortal life, all hoping to receive comfort from a man so renowned for holiness. Nor were their hopes in vain, for no one left him without consolation, and no one returned burdened with the same grief that had brought them there. He knew how to comfort the sorrowful with pious exhortation, to remind those in hardship of the joys of heavenly life, and to reveal the fleeting nature of both prosperity and adversity in this world. He had learned to expose to those who were tempted the many cunning deceptions of their ancient enemy, showing how easily a mind deprived of brotherly or divine love could be ensnared, whereas a mind strengthened by true faith, if it persevered, would, with God’s help, break the enemy’s snares as easily as a spider’s web. “How often,” he said, “have they hurled me headlong from the high rock! How many times have they thrown stones at me as if to kill me! They have tried in various ways to terrify me with apparitions and to drive me from this place of trial, yet they were never able to harm my body or fill my mind with fear.”

² He was accustomed to relate these things more frequently to the brotherhood, lest they should wonder at his conversation as being peculiarly exalted, because, despising secular cares, he preferred to live apart. " But," said he, “the life of monks may well be wondered at, who are subjected in all things to the orders of the abbot, the times of watching, praying, fasting, and working, being all regulated according to his will; many of whom have I known far exceed my littleness, both in purity of mind and advancement in prophetic grace. Among whom must I mention, with all honour, the venerable Boisil, servant of Christ, who, when an old man, formerly supported me in my youth at Melrose Abbey, and while instructing me, he foretold, with prophetic truth, all things which would happen to me; and of all things which he foretold to me, one alone remains which I hope may never be accomplished.” Cuthbert told us this was a prophecy of Boisil, that this, our holy servant of Christ, should attain to the office of a bishop; though he, in his eagerness after the heavenly life, felt horrified at the announcement.

Chapter 23 #

¹ Although the man of God lived in seclusion from mankind, he did not cease to perform miracles and heal the sick. A venerable handmaid of Christ named Elfled, who, while rejoicing in her virginity, also devoted her maternal care and piety to guiding several communities of Christ’s handmaids, combined the splendor of her noble birth with the even greater brilliance of her exalted virtue. She was filled with great love for the holy man of God.

² At this time, as she later recounted to the reverend Herefrid, presbyter of the church of Lindisfarne, who in turn related it to me, she was afflicted with a severe illness that lasted so long she seemed to be at the very gates of death. The physicians were unable to help her, but by divine grace, she was gradually delivered from death—though not entirely healed. The internal pain left her, and the strength of her limbs returned, yet she remained unable to stand or walk, having to move about on all fours. Her sorrow was great, and she had long since abandoned all hope of recovery through human aid. One day, as she reflected in distress, she turned her thoughts to the holy and tranquil life of the reverend father Cuthbert and wished that she possessed something that had belonged to him. “For I know and am confident,” she said, “that I would soon be well.”

³ Not long afterward, someone arrived bringing with them a linen girdle from Saint Cuthbert. Overjoyed at the gift and perceiving that Heaven had revealed her wish to the saint, she put it on. The next morning, she found herself able to stand on her feet, and by the third day, she was completely restored to health.

⁴ A few days later, one of the virgins in the same monastery fell ill with a severe pain in her head. As her condition worsened to the point that she feared she would die, the venerable abbess came to visit her. Seeing her in such distress, she took the girdle of the man of God and bound it around the sufferer’s head. That very day, the pain left her completely, and she placed the girdle in her chest for safekeeping. However, when the abbess sought to use it again a few days later, it could not be found—neither in the chest nor anywhere else. It was immediately understood that Divine Providence had arranged this in such a way that the sanctity of the man of God might be confirmed through these two miracles, leaving no room for doubt among the incredulous. For if the girdle had remained, all those who were sick would have sought it, and since some of them might have been unworthy of healing, its power to cure could have been questioned. In truth, their own unworthiness would have been to blame. Thus, as I mentioned before, Heaven dispensed its blessings in such a manner that, while the faith of believers was strengthened, any opportunity for the malice of the unrighteous to criticize or doubt was promptly taken away.

Chapter 24 #

¹ At another time, the same Elfled, a most holy virgin and the mother of Christ’s virgins, sent for the man of God, earnestly requesting in the name of our Lord that she might be allowed to see him and discuss certain important matters. So he, together with the brethren, boarded a ship and went to an island situated at the mouth of the river Coquet, which took its name from the river. The island was also notable for the number of monks living there. The abbess, who had asked him to meet her on this island, conversed with him for some time, and the man of God answered many of her questions. Then suddenly, in the midst of their conversation, she fell at his feet and solemnly adjured him by the terrible and sacred name of our heavenly King and His angels to reveal to her how long her brother Egfrid would live and rule over the English nation. “For I know,” she said, “that you are filled with the Spirit of prophecy, and that if you are willing, you can tell me even this.” But he, trembling at her adjuration and unwilling to openly disclose the secret she had asked of him, replied, “It is a remarkable thing that you, being a wise woman and well-versed in the Holy Scriptures, should consider human life to be long. The Psalmist says, ‘Our years shall pass away like a spider’s web’, and Solomon advises that if a man lives many years and enjoys prosperity in all of them, he ought to remember the dark time of many days; and when it comes, the past will be seen as vanity. How much more, then, should the man to whom only a single year of life remains be considered to have lived but a short time, when death stands at his very door!”

² On hearing these words, she mourned the dreadful prophecy with many tears. However, after wiping her face, she, with feminine boldness, solemnly adjured him by the majesty of the Holy One to reveal who would inherit the kingdom, since Egfrid had neither sons nor brothers. After a brief silence, he replied, “Do not say that he is without heirs, for he shall have a successor whom you will embrace with the same sisterly affection as you have for Egfrid himself.” “But,” she asked, “I beg you to tell me where he may be found.” He answered, “You see this vast and expansive sea, how it abounds with islands. It is easy for God to raise up from one of these someone to rule over England.” She then understood that he was speaking of Alfrid, who was said to be the son of her father and was at that time exiled to the Scottish islands due to his love of learning.

³ But she knew that Egfrid intended to make him a bishop, and wanting to know if this intention would come to pass, she began by asking in this way: “Oh, how the hearts of men are distracted by various intentions! Some rejoice in having gained riches, while others, always seeking them, remain in need; but you reject the glory of the world even though it is offered to you. Although you could obtain a bishopric, which is the highest rank on earth, you prefer the solitude of your desert to such a position.” He replied, “I know that I am not worthy of so high an office; however, I cannot avoid the judgment of the Supreme Ruler. If He decrees that I must take on so great a burden, I believe He will restore me after a brief period of freedom, and perhaps in no more than two years He will send me back to my former solitude and peace. But first, I ask you in the name of our Lord and Saviour not to tell anyone what I have said until after my death.” After he had explained to her the various things she asked and had given her the instruction she needed, he returned to his solitary island and monastery, continuing the way of life he had begun.

⁴ Not long after, at a full synod presided over by the blessed Archbishop Theodore, in the presence of God’s chosen servant, the holy King Egfrid, he was unanimously elected to the bishopric of the see of Lindisfarne. However, despite the many messengers and letters sent to him, he could not be persuaded to leave his dwelling. It was only when the aforementioned king himself sailed to the island, accompanied by the most holy Bishop Trumwine and as many other devout and influential men as he could gather, that they all knelt before him and earnestly pleaded with him by the Lord, with tears and entreaties. At last, they moved him to leave his solitude with tears in his own eyes, and they brought him to the synod. Once there, although he strongly resisted, he was overcome by the unanimous will of all and was compelled to accept the responsibilities of the bishopric. However, his ordination did not take place immediately but was postponed until the end of the winter that was then beginning. And so that his prophecies might be fulfilled in every detail, Egfrid was killed the following year in battle against the Picts and was succeeded on the throne by his illegitimate brother Alfrid, who, a few years earlier, had devoted himself to study in Scotland, choosing voluntary exile for the sake of his love of learning.

Chapter 25 #

¹ After Cuthbert, the man of God, had been elected to the bishopric, he returned to his island and for some time continued to serve God in secret with his usual devotion. Then the venerable Bishop Eata summoned him and requested that he meet him at Melrose. After their conversation had ended and Cuthbert had started his journey home, a certain attendant of King Egfrid met him and earnestly asked him to turn aside and bless his house. When Cuthbert arrived and was warmly welcomed by all, the man pointed out one of his servants who was gravely ill, saying, “I thank God, most holy father, that you have deemed us worthy of your visit, and we believe that your arrival will bring us the greatest benefit, both spiritually and physically. For one of our servants is afflicted with a severe illness, and today he is suffering such extreme pain that he seems more like a dying man than one merely sick. His limbs are lifeless, and he barely breathes through his mouth and nostrils.” Cuthbert immediately blessed some water and gave it to a servant named Baldhelm—who is still alive and serving as a priest in the bishopric of Lindisfarne, where he honors it with his virtues. Baldhelm, who recounts in the sweetest manner the virtues of the man of God to all who wish to hear them, was the one who told me of this miracle. The man of God, handing him the blessed water, said, “Go and give it to the sick man to drink.” Obeying his words, Baldhelm brought the water to the sick man, and when he had poured it into his mouth the third time, the man, contrary to his usual state, fell asleep. It was evening, and he passed the night in silence; in the morning, when his master came to visit him, he appeared completely well.

Chapter 26 #

¹ The venerable man of God, Cuthbert, adorned the office of bishop, which he had undertaken, by practicing many virtues in accordance with the precepts and examples of the Apostles. He protected the people entrusted to his care with frequent prayers, guided them to heavenly things through wholesome admonitions, and followed the most effective method of teaching—by first practicing himself what he taught to others. He delivered the needy from the hand of the powerful and the poor and destitute from those who sought to oppress them. He comforted the weak and sorrowful, yet he took care to call those who sinned in their rejoicing back to godly sorrow. Though surrounded by the demands of his office, he continued to practice his usual frugality and maintained the discipline of monastic life. He provided food for the hungry, clothing for those who shivered, and exemplified all the other virtues that adorn the life of a bishop. The miracles by which he shone before the world testified to the holiness of his soul, some of which we have taken care to briefly record for posterity.

Chapter 27 #

¹ When King Egfrid rashly led his army against the Picts and laid waste to their lands with terrible cruelty, the man of God, Cuthbert, knowing that the time had come which he had prophesied a year earlier to his sister—that the king would live only one more year—went to Lugubalia (which the English corruptly call Luel) to speak with the queen, who was staying there in her sister’s monastery, awaiting the outcome of the war. The next day, as the townspeople were leading him to see the city walls and the remarkable fountain built by the Romans, he suddenly paused, leaning on his staff, and became troubled in spirit. Turning his face sorrowfully to the ground, he then raised himself, lifted his eyes to heaven, groaned deeply, and said quietly, “Now, then, the contest is decided!” A presbyter standing nearby hastily asked, “How do you know this?” But Cuthbert, unwilling to reveal more of what had been shown to him, replied, “Do you not see how strangely the air has changed and become disturbed? Who can comprehend the judgments of the Almighty?” He then went inside and spoke privately with the queen, for it was the Sabbath day. He said to her, “Make sure you set out in your chariot very early on the second day of the week, for it is not lawful to travel by chariot on the Lord’s Day. Go quickly to the royal city, lest the king has been slain. As for me, I have been asked to go tomorrow to a nearby monastery to consecrate a church, but I will follow you as soon as that duty is completed.”

² But when the Lord’s Day arrived, as he was preaching the word of God to the brethren of that monastery, after finishing his sermon, he again began to instruct his attentive listeners, saying: “I implore you, my beloved, according to the admonitions of the Apostle, to watch, remain steadfast in the faith, act manfully, and be strengthened, so that no temptation may find you unprepared, but that you may always remember the command of the Lord Himself: ‘Watch and pray, in case you enter into temptation’.” Some thought he spoke these words because not long before, a pestilence had afflicted them and many others with great mortality, and they believed he was warning them of its return. But he, continuing his discourse, said: “When I formerly lived alone on my island, some of the brethren came to me on the day of the Holy Nativity and asked me to leave my cell and celebrate with them this joyful and sacred day.

³ Yielding to their requests, I went out, and we sat down to feast. But in the middle of the banquet, I suddenly said to them, “I implore you, brethren, let us act cautiously and watchfully, in case, through carelessness and a false sense of security, we fall into temptation.” But they answered, “We entreat you, let us now spend this day joyfully, for it is the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ!” To this, I agreed. Some time later, as we continued in eating, merriment, and conversation, I again urged them that we should be diligent in prayer and watchfulness, always prepared to face any temptation. But they replied, “You speak rightly; nevertheless, since there are many days for fasting, watching, and prayer, let us today rejoice in the Lord. For the angel proclaimed great joy to the shepherds at the birth of the Lord and declared that it was a day to be celebrated by all people!” “Well,” I said, “let us do so.”

⁴ But when I repeated the same admonition for the third time, they realized that I would not have urged it so earnestly without reason and said to me in fear, “Let us do as you teach, for it is our duty to watch in spirit, armed against the snares and temptations of the devil.” When I said these things, I knew no more than they did that any new temptation was about to come upon us. Rather, I was instinctively prompted to remind them that the heart must always be fortified against the storms of temptation. However, when they returned from me to their home, that is, to the monastery of Lindisfarne, they found that one of their brethren had died of the pestilence; and the same disease spread and raged so violently from day to day, continuing for months and nearly a whole year, that the greater part of that noble community of spiritual fathers and brethren were taken into the presence of the Lord. Therefore, my brethren, watch and pray, so that if any tribulation comes upon you, it may find you prepared.”

⁵ When the venerable man of God, Cuthbert, had spoken these words, the brethren thought, as I have mentioned before, that he was referring to the return of the pestilence. However, the following day, a man who had escaped from the war arrived and, through the sorrowful news he brought, revealed the true meaning of the saint’s hidden prophecy. It was learned that the royal guards had been slain, and the king himself had been cut down by the sword of the enemy at the very day and hour when it had been revealed to the man of God as he stood by the well.

Chapter 28 #

¹ Not long afterward, the same servant of God, Cuthbert, was summoned again to the city of Lugubalia, not only to consecrate priests but also to bless the queen with his holy conversation. At that time, there was a venerable priest named Herebert, who had long been united with the man of God, Cuthbert, in the bond of spiritual friendship. Living a solitary life on an island in the great marsh from which the River Derwent flows, he would come to Cuthbert every year to receive his counsel and guidance on the path to eternal life. When Herebert heard that Cuthbert was staying in the city, he came as was his custom, eager to be further inspired by his wholesome exhortations in his pursuit of heavenly things.

² When these two had deeply partaken of the cup of heavenly wisdom, Cuthbert said, among other things, “Remember, Brother Herebert, to ask me now about any matter you have on your mind, and speak to me about it now, for after we part ways, we will not see each other again in this life. I am certain that the time of my death is near, and that I will soon leave my earthly dwelling.“mUpon hearing this, Herebert fell at his feet, weeping and crying out, “I beg you by the Lord, do not leave me behind. Remember your companion and pray to Almighty God that, just as we have served Him together on earth, we may also enter heaven together to behold His light. For I have always sought to live according to your guidance; and whatever I have failed to do out of ignorance or weakness, I have worked to correct according to your will.” The bishop, moved by his prayers, immediately perceived in his spirit that the Lord had granted what was asked. “Rise, my brother,” he said, “and do not mourn, but rejoice with gladness, for God’s great mercy has granted us what we sought.”

³ The fulfillment of this promise and prophecy was confirmed by what followed. The two never met again in this life, but their souls left their bodies at the same moment and were united in a heavenly vision. Together, they were carried by angels into the eternal kingdom. However, before this happened, Herebert was afflicted with a long illness. Perhaps this was by God’s holy design, so that the prolonged suffering of his sickness might make up for any spiritual lack compared to the blessed Cuthbert. Thus, by God’s grace, he was made equal to his intercessor and found worthy to depart this life at the same hour as him, to share together in the eternal joy of heaven.

Chapter 29 #

¹ One day, while making his rounds through the parish to offer spiritual guidance in the rural districts, cottages, and villages, and to lay hands on the newly baptized so they might receive the Holy Spirit, the bishop came to the mansion of a certain earl whose wife was gravely ill, near the point of death. The earl himself came out to meet him and, kneeling, gave thanks to the Lord for his arrival. He welcomed him with warm hospitality.

² After washing the bishop’s feet and hands, as was customary, and inviting him to sit, the earl began to speak about his wife’s critical condition. He begged the bishop to consecrate some water to sprinkle on her. “I believe,” the earl said, “that through God’s grace she will either be restored to health or, if she departs this life, will be received into eternal life and rewarded for enduring such long and heavy suffering.” The bishop agreed to his request, blessed the water brought to him, and gave it to the priest with instructions to sprinkle it on the woman. The priest entered the bedroom where she lay, seemingly lifeless, and sprinkled the holy water on her and the bed. He also managed to pour some of it down her throat.

³ Oh, what a wonderful and extraordinary event! No sooner had the holy water touched her—though she was entirely unaware of what had been done—than she was fully restored to health, both in body and mind. Coming to her senses, she gave thanks to the Lord, praising Him for deeming her worthy to be visited and healed by such noble guests. She rose immediately, and, fully recovered, began to serve those who had played a part in her miraculous healing. Remarkably, she became the first in the earl’s household to offer refreshment to the bishop, following the example of Peter’s mother-in-law, who, after being cured of a fever by the Lord, rose at once and ministered to Him and His disciples.

Chapter 30 #

¹ The venerable Bishop Cuthbert performed another remarkable healing, witnessed by many, including the devout priest Ethelwald, who was then serving as the bishop’s attendant and later became the abbot of the monastery at Melrose.

² As was his custom, Cuthbert was traveling and teaching all whom he encountered. He came to a village where a small group of holy women had taken refuge. These women had fled their monastery in fear of a barbarian army and had recently been given shelter by the bishop. Among them was a woman gravely ill—a sister of the aforementioned priest, Ethelwald. She had suffered for an entire year from unbearable pain in her head and side, a condition that left her in great distress and was deemed incurable by the physicians. Hearing of her plight, the villagers brought her condition to the man of God and begged him to heal her. Moved with compassion, Cuthbert anointed the afflicted woman with holy oil. From that moment, her health began to improve, and within a few days, she was completely healed.

Chapter 31## #

¹ I must not omit a miracle attributed to the holiness of Cuthbert, even though it occurred in his absence. There was a prefect named Hildemer, whose wife had previously been freed from an unclean spirit by the man of God. Later, Hildemer himself became gravely ill, his condition worsening daily until he was confined to his bed, seemingly near death. Many of his friends had gathered to comfort him in his sickness.

² As they sat by his bedside, one of them remarked that he had with him a piece of consecrated bread that Cuthbert had given him. “I believe,” he said, “that if we, in faith, were to give him some of this bread to eat, without doubting, he would be healed.” Though all present were laymen, they were deeply devout. Turning to one another, they agreed wholeheartedly that partaking of the consecrated bread could indeed bring healing. Acting on their faith, they took a cup of water, placed a small piece of the bread into it, and gave it to Hildemer to drink.

³ No sooner had the water, sanctified by the bread, reached his stomach than his internal pain vanished, and the wasting of his body ceased. He quickly made a full recovery. Both Hildemer and all those who witnessed or heard of the miraculous speed of his healing were moved to praise the holiness of Christ’s servant and marvel at the power of true faith.

Chaptet 32 #

¹ As this holy shepherd of Christ’s flock went about visiting his people, he came to a mountainous and rugged area where many had gathered from the surrounding villages to receive his blessing. However, in that remote region, there was no suitable church or building to accommodate the bishop and his attendants. They therefore set up tents along the road, and each person cut branches from the nearby woods to make whatever shelter they could manage.

² For two days, the man of God preached to the gathered crowds and imparted the grace of the Holy Spirit by laying hands on those who had been reborn in Christ. On the second day, a group of women appeared, carrying on a bed a young man who was severely ill and wasted by disease. They placed him at the edge of the woods and sent word to the bishop, asking if they might bring him closer so he could receive a blessing. When the sick man was brought near, the bishop saw how greatly he was suffering. He instructed everyone to step back and then turned to his most trusted recourse—prayer. After praying and bestowing his blessing, the bishop drove out the fever that no physician’s care or medicine had been able to cure. The young man rose immediately, and, after taking some food and giving thanks to God, walked back to the women who had brought him. What began as a journey of sorrow ended in joy: the sick man returned home with them, completely healed, and all rejoiced—he and his companions alike.

Chapter 33 #

¹ At that time, the plague was devastating the region, leaving villages and once-thriving areas nearly empty, and some towns entirely abandoned. In the midst of this calamity, the holy father Cuthbert diligently traveled through his parish, ministering the Word of God and bringing comfort to the few who remained.

² Upon reaching a certain village and exhorting those he found there, Cuthbert turned to his attendant priest and asked, “Do you think there is anyone else here who needs our visit and counsel, or have we seen all who remain? Should we move on to another place?” The priest looked around and noticed a woman standing at a distance. One of her sons had recently died, and she was now holding another child who appeared to be on the verge of death. Her tears, silently streaming down her face, revealed the depth of her grief. Pointing her out to Cuthbert, the priest drew his attention to her plight. Cuthbert immediately went to the woman. He blessed the dying boy, kissed him, and gently said to her, “Do not be afraid or sorrowful. Your child will recover and live, and no one else in your household will die from this plague.”

³ The truth of his words was confirmed in the years that followed. Both the mother and her son, who lived for a long time afterward, bore witness to the accuracy of his prophecy.

Chapter 34 #

¹ Now, the man of God, foreseeing that his end was near, resolved to relinquish the duties of his pastoral office and return to the solitary life he had previously embraced. By setting aside the cares of this world, he hoped to devote himself entirely to unceasing psalmody and prayer, preparing his soul for the day of his death—or rather, his entrance into eternal life. Before withdrawing into solitude, he wished to visit his parishes one last time, traveling among the homes of the faithful in his region. His intention was to offer words of comfort and encouragement, strengthening them with the consolatory admonitions they might need. Only then would he return to the solitary dwelling he so deeply desired.

² At the request of the noble and holy virgin, Abbess Elfleda, whom I have previously mentioned, Cuthbert visited an estate belonging to her monastery. His purpose was both to converse with her and to consecrate a church located there, as a significant number of monks resided on the estate. At the appointed hour for the meal, they all took their seats. However, as they were dining, Cuthbert suddenly withdrew his mind from the earthly sustenance before him and turned his thoughts to heavenly matters. His body, weary from his earlier labors, seemed to give way to a spiritual vision. The color drained from his face, his eyes became unusually fixed, and the knife he had been holding slipped from his hand onto the table.

³ The priest who stood by and attended to Cuthbert noticed his sudden change and said to the abbess, “Ask the bishop what he has just seen. I am certain there was a reason for his hand trembling and dropping the knife, as well as the remarkable change in his countenance. He must have witnessed something that we have not.” The abbess immediately turned to Cuthbert and said, “I beg you, my lord bishop, tell me what you have seen. Surely your trembling hand and the dropping of the knife were not without cause.”

⁴ At first, Cuthbert tried to conceal the fact that he had witnessed anything supernatural. He responded lightheartedly, “Well, I couldn’t eat forever, could I? I had to stop at some point!” But when the abbess persisted in asking him to reveal the vision, he relented and said, “I saw the soul of a holy man being carried up to heaven in the arms of angels.” She asked: “From where was it taken?” The bishop replied: “From your monastery.” When she pressed him further, asking for the name of the person, he said, “You will know tomorrow, when I am celebrating Mass.”

⁵ Upon hearing the bishop’s words, the abbess immediately sent a messenger to the larger monastery to inquire if anyone had recently passed away. The messenger found that all appeared well, and he was preparing to return in the morning to report to his mistress. However, as he was leaving, he encountered some men transporting the body of a deceased brother in a cart for burial. Upon asking who it was, he learned that it was one of the shepherds—a devout and worthy man—who had carelessly climbed a tree, fallen, and died from the injuries he sustained. The time of his death matched exactly the moment when the man of God had seen the vision of the soul ascending to heaven.

⁶ The messenger hurried back to report this to the abbess, who immediately went to the bishop, who was in the process of consecrating the church. She approached him, her amazement clear, as if she were about to share something surprising or uncertain. “I beg you, my lord bishop,” she said, “to remember in the Mass my servant Hadwald, who died yesterday from a fall.” It then became clear to all present that the holy man was truly endowed with the spirit of prophecy. He had seen the shepherd’s soul being carried to heaven at the very moment of his death and knew in advance the news that others would later bring to him.

Chapter 35 #

¹ As he traveled through the northern regions, he came to a nunnery near the mouth of the River Tyne, which we mentioned earlier. There, he was warmly received and honored by Abbess Verca, a woman distinguished for her nobility both in spiritual and worldly matters.

² After they rose from their afternoon rest, he mentioned that he was thirsty and asked for something to drink. They asked him what he preferred—whether wine or beer. “Give me water,” he replied. So they brought him water from the fountain. After offering thanks and tasting the water, he handed the cup to his attendant priest, who then returned it to the servant. The servant, holding the cup, asked if he might drink from the same vessel as the bishop. “Of course,” the priest replied. “Why not?” This priest also belonged to the same monastery. So, the servant drank from the cup, and to his astonishment, the water tasted like wine. Overcome with wonder, he handed the cup to a nearby brother so that he too could witness the miracle. The brother drank and also confirmed that it tasted unmistakably like wine. Both were astonished and, when they had the chance to speak, admitted to one another that they had never tasted better wine. This account comes from one of the men involved, who later spent time at our monastery in Wearmouth and is now buried there.

Chapter 36 #

¹ After serving as bishop for two years, Cuthbert, sensing in his spirit that his end was near, relinquished his episcopal duties and returned to the solitude he cherished so deeply. There, he dedicated his remaining time to subduing the desires of the flesh and rekindling the flame of humility that had always been at the heart of his devotion. During this period, he frequently left his cell to speak with the brethren who came to visit him. I will recount a miracle he performed at that time, so that it may be clear to all how even the seemingly casual commands of God’s saints should be obeyed.

² One day, Cuthbert left his cell to counsel some visitors. When he had finished speaking with them, he said, “I must now return to my cell. But before you leave, take some food. Cook and eat the goose hanging on the wall, and when you’ve finished, board your vessel in God’s name and return home.” With that, he prayed for them, blessed them, and withdrew into his cell. The visitors did as Cuthbert had instructed, taking some food before their departure. However, because they had brought sufficient provisions of their own, they left the goose untouched.

³ After they had eaten and refreshed themselves, the visitors tried to board their vessel, but a sudden and violent storm made it impossible to set sail. For seven days, the rough seas stranded them on the island, yet they couldn’t think of anything they had done wrong to deserve this misfortune. Finally, they returned to the holy father to seek an audience and share their plight. Cuthbert encouraged them to endure their trial with patience. On the seventh day, he came to console them and offer words of encouragement. However, when he entered the house where they were staying, he noticed that the goose was still hanging, untouched. With a kind expression and gentle words, he rebuked their disobedience: “Have you not left the goose hanging in its place? Is it any wonder, then, that the storm has kept you from departing? Take it down at once, put it in the pot, boil it, and eat it. Then the sea will grow calm, and you will be able to return home.”

⁴ They immediately obeyed Cuthbert’s instructions, and something truly remarkable happened. The moment the kettle began to boil, the wind began to die down, and the waves grew calm. After finishing their meal, they saw that the sea was now tranquil. They boarded their vessel and, to their great relief and delight—though not without a sense of shame for their earlier disobedience—set sail and reached home safely with a favorable wind. Their shame stemmed from their failure to obey and their inability to recognize and correct their error during the trial God had allowed. Yet they rejoiced as well. They rejoiced because they saw how God cared for His faithful servant, vindicating him even through the forces of nature. They also rejoiced that the Lord cared for them enough to correct their mistake by performing such an unmistakable miracle.

⁵ I did not learn this account from hearsay or unreliable sources. It was told to me by one of those who was present—a most revered monk and priest of the same monastery, Cynemund, who is still alive. He is well known in the region for both his advanced age and the purity of his life.

Chapter 37 #

¹ The holy day of our Lord’s Nativity had scarcely passed when the man of God, Cuthbert, returned to his dwelling on the island. As he was about to board the ship, a crowd of monks stood nearby to see him off. Among them was an elderly and venerable monk, whose faith was strong though his body was weakened by dysentery. The monk asked plainly, “My lord bishop, when may we hope for your return?” Cuthbert responded just as plainly, “When you bring my body back here.”

² After returning to the island, Cuthbert spent about two months enjoying the solitude he so loved, continuing his usual discipline of subduing both body and mind with great severity. Suddenly, however, he was struck with illness and began to prepare himself for the eternal joy of heaven through the sufferings of temporal affliction.

³ I will recount the story of his death in the words of his attendant priest, Herefrid—a deeply religious man who, at that time, was serving as the abbot of the monastery at Lindisfarne.

⁴ “He was brought to the point of death,” said Herefrid, “after enduring three weeks of unrelenting suffering. He fell ill on a Wednesday, and on another Wednesday, his suffering ended as he departed to the Lord. When I first came to him on the morning after his illness began—having arrived at the island with the brethren three days earlier—I went to seek his blessing and advice, as was my custom. I gave the usual signal of my arrival, and he came to the window, greeting me with a sigh. “My lord bishop,” I said, “what is troubling you? Did your illness begin last night?” “Yes,” he replied, “an illness has come upon me.” Thinking he was referring to the chronic ailment that often plagued him, I did not press further and instead said, “Give us your blessing, for it is time for us to put to sea and return home.”

⁵ “Go,” he said, “board your vessel and return home safely. But when the Lord takes my spirit, bury me here, in this house, near my oratory, on the south side, opposite the eastern side of the holy cross I have set up. On the north side of that same oratory, you will find a sarcophagus beneath the turf, which the venerable Abbot Cudda once gave me. You are to place my body there, wrapped in the linen you will find inside. I would not wear that linen during my life, but I kept it out of love and respect for its giver, Abbess Verca, that highly favored servant of God, who sent it to me to shroud my body after death.”

⁶ Hearing this, I pleaded with him, saying, “Father, since you are weak and speak of the likelihood of your passing, allow some of the brethren to remain here to care for you.” “Go home now,” he said, “but return at the proper time.”

⁷ Despite my repeated and urgent entreaties, I could not persuade him otherwise. Finally, I asked him, “When should we return to you?” “When God wills it,” he answered, “and when He Himself directs you.”

⁸ We followed his instructions, departing as he commanded. Once we returned home, I immediately assembled the brethren in the church and had prayers offered up for him without ceasing. For I said to them, “From certain words he spoke, it seems to me that the day of his departure to the Lord is drawing near.”

⁹ I was deeply concerned about returning to him due to his illness, but the weather made it impossible for five days. As events unfolded, it became clear that this delay was ordained by God. In His divine wisdom, God sought to purify His servant from every earthly weakness and to demonstrate to his spiritual adversaries the futility of their efforts against the strength of his faith. By keeping him apart from men, God allowed him to be tested, not only by physical pain but also by fiercer spiritual battles with the ancient enemy.

¹⁰ At last, the weather calmed, and we made our way to the island. Upon arriving, we found him outside his cell, in the house where we were accustomed to stay. The brethren who had accompanied me soon had to return to the nearby shore for some business, leaving me alone on the island to care for the holy father. I prepared some warm water and washed his feet, which were afflicted with an ulcer from prolonged swelling. The wound was bleeding heavily and needed careful attention. I also warmed some wine I had brought with me and begged him to drink it, for I could tell by his appearance that he was utterly worn out from pain and lack of nourishment.

¹¹ When I had completed these small acts of service, he quietly settled himself on the couch, and I sat down beside him. Seeing that he remained silent, I said, “My lord bishop, I can see that you have suffered greatly from your illness since we left. I marvel that you were so unwilling, when we departed, to allow some of our brethren to stay and attend to you.” He replied, “It was by the providence and will of God that I was left without the company or assistance of man, to endure a measure of affliction. For after you left, my weakness grew worse. I left my cell and came here, hoping to meet anyone who might come to see me, so they would not have the burden of traveling further. From the moment I came here until now—five days and five nights—I have sat in this place without moving.” “And how have you sustained yourself, my lord bishop?” I asked. “Have you truly gone so long without taking any food?” In response, he turned up the couch on which he was sitting and revealed five onions hidden beneath it. “This has been my food for the past five days,” he said. “Whenever my mouth became dry and parched with thirst, I would cool and refresh myself by tasting these.” One of the onions showed signs of being slightly nibbled, though it was clear that less than half of it had been eaten.

¹² He continued, “My enemies have never persecuted me as much during my entire stay on this island as they have in these last five days.” I did not have the courage to ask what kinds of persecutions he had endured. Instead, I urged him again to allow someone to stay and care for him. This time, he consented, and a few of us remained with him. Among us was the priest Bede the Elder, who had long been accustomed to attending to him closely. Bede was a most faithful witness to everything Cuthbert gave or received, as Cuthbert wanted him near to ensure that he made proper restitution for any gifts he might receive. He desired that, before his death, he might return to everyone what was rightly theirs.

¹³ Another brother also stayed—a monk who had long suffered from a severe and untreatable diarrhea. This brother, known for his piety, wisdom, and grave demeanor, was thought worthy to witness the final words of the man of God and to be present at his departure to the Lord.

¹⁴ In the meantime, I returned to the monastery and informed the brethren that the holy father had expressed his wish to be buried on his island. However, I added my personal opinion—that it would be more proper and fitting to request his permission to transport his body from the island and lay it to rest in the monastery, where it could be honored in the customary manner. My words resonated with the brethren, and together we went to the bishop to present our request. We said to him, “My lord bishop, we have not dared to disregard your instructions to be buried here. Yet we humbly ask your permission to bring your body back to the monastery so that you may rest among us.” To this, he replied, “It has been my desire to rest here, where I have fought my humble battles for the Lord, where I wish to complete my course, and from where I hope to be lifted by the righteous Judge to receive the crown of righteousness. But I also think it may be better for you if I remain here. Fugitives and criminals may flee to my body for refuge, as I have humbly enjoyed the reputation of being a servant of Christ. This could compel you to intercede on their behalf before the secular authorities, and you might face difficulties on my account.”

¹⁵ Despite his words, we persisted with our earnest appeals, assuring him that such responsibilities would be light and welcome to us. After some time and reflection, the man of God gave us his answer: “If you are determined to overcome my objections and take my body with you, I think the best course of action would be to bury it in the innermost part of the church. That way, you may visit my tomb as you wish while maintaining control over who else is permitted to do so.” We thanked him on bended knees for granting this permission and for his wise counsel. From then on, we made frequent visits to him, eager to spend time with the holy father as his final days drew near.

Chapter 38 #

¹ His malady now began to grow upon him, and we thought that the time of his dissolution was at hand. He bade his attendants carry him to his cell and oratory. It was the third hour of the day. We thereHis illness began to worsen, and we thought that the time of his passing was near. He asked his attendants to carry him to his cell and oratory. It was the third hour of the day. Since he was too weak to walk, we carried him there. When we reached the door, we asked him to allow one of us to enter with him to attend to his needs, for no one had ever entered that place except himself. He looked around at us all, and fixing his eyes on the aforementioned sick brother, he said, “Walstod shall go in with me.” Walstod was the man’s name. He went in and remained there until the ninth hour. When he came out, he said to me, “The bishop wishes you to go in to him; but I have something truly amazing to tell you—ever since I touched the bishop while helping him into the oratory, I have been completely free from my former illness.” No doubt this was brought about by the power of his heavenly piety, for just as he had healed many during his time of health and strength, he now healed this man even while he himself was at the point of death. This served as a lasting testament to how strong the holy man was in spirit, even when his body was at its weakest. In this healing, he followed the example of the holy and revered father and bishop, Aurelius Augustine. When Augustine was afflicted with the illness that led to his death and lay on his couch, a man approached him, asking him to place his hand on a sick person he had brought, so that he might be healed. Augustine replied, “If I had such power, I would have used it on myself first.” The sick man responded, “I was commanded to come to you, for someone told me in a dream, ‘Go to Bishop Augustine, and let him place his hand upon you, and you shall be healed.’” Upon hearing this, Augustine placed his hand on him, gave him his blessing, and sent him home completely restored.

Chapter 39 #

¹ I went in to him around the ninth hour of the day and found him lying in one corner of his oratory before the altar. I sat down by his side, but he spoke very little, as the burden of his suffering prevented him from saying much. However, when I earnestly asked what final words and farewell message he wished to leave for the brethren, he began to offer a few strong admonitions regarding peace and humility. He warned me to be cautious of those who opposed these virtues and refused to practice them. “Have peace,” he said, “and Divine charity always among you. And when you are called to deliberate on your affairs, ensure that you are of one mind in counsel. Let there be mutual concord between you and other servants of Christ; do not look down on those of the faith who come to you seeking hospitality, but welcome them warmly and kindly. And when you have entertained them, send them on their way in peace, never considering yourselves better than others who share the same faith and way of life. But have no fellowship with those who stray from the unity of the Catholic faith—whether by celebrating Easter at the wrong time or by leading a perverse life. And know this: if ever you are faced with choosing between two evils, I would rather that you take up my bones and leave this place to dwell wherever God may send you than consent in any way to the wickedness of schismatics and thus place a burden upon your souls. Study diligently and carefully observe the Catholic rules of the Fathers. Practice with zeal the monastic principles that God has been pleased to entrust to you through my ministry. For I know that, although some have disregarded me during my lifetime, after my death you will understand what kind of man I was and that my teaching was by no means unworthy of respect.”

² The man of God delivered these and similar words to us at intervals, for, as we mentioned before, the severity of his illness had taken away his ability to speak much at once. He then spent the rest of the day until evening in anticipation of the happiness to come, and, in addition to this, he devoted the night to watchfulness and prayer. When the hour for evening service arrived, he received the blessed sacrament from me and thus strengthened himself for his departure—now knowing it was near—by partaking of the body and blood of Christ. Then, lifting his eyes to heaven and stretching out his hands above him, his soul, filled with heavenly praises, hastened to the joys of the heavenly kingdom.

Chapter 40 #

¹ I immediately went out and informed the brethren, who had spent the whole night in watchfulness and prayer. At that very moment, during the course of the evening service, they happened to be singing the 59th Psalm, which begins, “O Lord, thou hast rejected us and destroyed us; thou hast been angry, and hast pitied us.” One of them at once lit two candles and, holding one in each hand, climbed to a high place to signal to the brethren at the monastery of Lindisfarne that the holy man had passed away, for they had previously agreed that this would be the sign. A brother, who had been waiting for an hour on a high point opposite in the island of Lindisfarne, immediately ran to the monastery, where the brethren were gathered for the usual evening service and were, by divine providence, singing the very same Psalm when the messenger arrived. This proved to be a sign from God, as later events revealed. For when the man of God was buried, the Church was struck by such a storm of temptation that several of the brethren chose to leave rather than face the dangers that arose.

² At the end of a year, Eadbert was ordained bishop. He was a man of great virtue, well-versed in the Holy Scriptures, and especially devoted to works of charity. To use the words of Scripture, “The Lord built up Jerusalem,” that is, the vision of peace, “and gathered together the dispersion of Israel. He healed those who were contrite in heart and bound up their bruises.” Thus, it became clear that the meaning of the hymn sung for the first time upon the sainted man’s death was being fulfilled—namely, that after his passing, his countrymen would face rejection and destruction, yet after experiencing the Lord’s chastening, they would once again be shielded by Divine mercy. Anyone who considers the continuation of the aforementioned Psalm will recognize how events unfolded in accordance with its meaning. The body of the venerable father was placed aboard a ship and carried to the island of Lindisfarne, where it was met by a large crowd singing psalms. It was then placed in the church of the holy Apostle Peter, in a stone coffin on the right-hand side of the altar.

Chapter 41 #

¹ But even after the servant of Christ was dead and buried, the miracles he had performed during his life did not cease. In the region of Lindisfarne, there was a boy so grievously tormented by an evil spirit that he completely lost his reason. He would cry out loudly, attempt to tear apart his own limbs with his teeth, and destroy whatever came within his reach. A priest from the monastery was sent to help him; however, though he had experience in exorcising and expelling evil spirits, he was unable to prevail in this case. He therefore advised the boy’s father to place him in a cart and take him to the monastery, where he could pray to God on his behalf before the relics of the holy saints preserved there. The father followed this advice, but the holy saints, to demonstrate the high esteem in which Cuthbert was held among them, withheld the desired healing.

² The mad boy, with his howling, groaning, and gnashing of teeth, filled everyone present with terror, leaving them unable to think of a remedy. But then, one of the priests, inspired by the Spirit and trusting in the intercession of the holy father Cuthbert, went secretly to the spot where water used to wash Cuthbert’s dead body had been discarded. There, he gathered a small amount of the dirt from that place, mixed it with water, and brought it to the suffering boy. As the boy screamed horribly, the priest poured the mixture into his open mouth. Instantly, the boy fell silent, shut his mouth, and closed his bloodshot, wildly staring eyes. He then fell into a deep sleep. The boy remained in this state throughout the night. When morning came, he woke from his slumber completely free of madness. By the merits and intercession of the blessed Cuthbert, he was also delivered from the evil spirit that had tormented him. It was a wondrous and joyful sight for all who witnessed it: the boy, sound in mind, now walking beside his father to the holy places, giving thanks for the saints’ help. Only the day before, in the depths of his madness, he had not even known who or where he was.

³ In the presence of all the brethren, who looked on and rejoiced, the boy knelt before the relics of the martyrs and offered praise to the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Afterward, he returned home, fully healed, no longer oppressed by the enemy, and strengthened in the faith he had previously professed.

⁴ To this day, the pit where the water had been thrown is shown. It is square in shape, surrounded by wood, and filled with small stones. It lies near the church where Cuthbert’s body rests, on the southern side. Since that time, God has permitted many other healings to occur through the use of those same stones and the dirt from that place.

Chapter 42 #

¹ Divine Providence, wishing to reveal the glory to which this holy man had been exalted after death—he who had already been distinguished by so many signs and miracles during his life—inspired the brethren with the desire to translate his remains. They planned to take his bones, which they expected to find dry and free of flesh, and place them in a small shrine above ground, where they could be venerated by the faithful. They shared this intention with the holy Bishop Eadbert around the middle of Lent, and he instructed them to carry out the task on April 20, the anniversary of the saint’s burial.

² When the appointed day came, the brethren opened the tomb and were astonished to find the body intact, as though the saint were still alive. His joints remained flexible, as if he were merely sleeping, and his garments were uncorrupted, retaining their original freshness and color. Overcome with wonder, the brethren were left almost speechless, scarcely able to look upon the miraculous sight before them or comprehend what they were doing. To verify the miraculous preservation of the clothing, they took a small piece from one of the extremities, not daring to touch the body itself, and hurried to inform Bishop Eadbert of their discovery. At the time, the bishop was observing his custom of withdrawing to a secluded place near the monastery, surrounded by the flowing tides of the sea. There, he spent the forty days of Lent in deep devotion, dedicating himself to fasting, prayer, and tears in preparation for the celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection.

³ Here, too, Cuthbert, the venerable predecessor of Bishop Eadbert, had spent part of his spiritual journey in service to the Lord before he withdrew to Farne, as previously recounted. The brethren also brought with them the piece of cloth in which the body of the saint had been wrapped. The bishop received the gift gratefully, listening intently to their report, and reverently kissed the cloth as though it still covered the saint’s body. “Wrap the body,” he instructed, “in new cloth to replace this, and place it in the chest you have prepared. But I am certain that the place sanctified by this heavenly miracle will not remain empty for long. Blessed is the one to whom the Lord, the giver of true happiness, will grant the honor of resting there.”

⁴ To this, he added a verse he had previously composed, saying:

⁵ “What man the wondrous gifts of God shall tell?
What ear the joys of paradise shall hear?
Triumphant o’er the gates of death and hell,
The just shall live amid the starry sphere.”

⁶ When the bishop had said much more to this effect, shedding many tears and with deep contrition, the brethren carried out his instructions. They wrapped the body in new cloth, placed it in the prepared chest, and laid it on the pavement of the sanctuary.

Chapter 43 #

¹ Meanwhile, Bishop Eadbert, God’s chosen servant, was struck with an illness that grew more severe with each passing day. Not long after, on the sixth of May, he departed this life and entered into the presence of the Lord. In His mercy, God granted the bishop’s earnest prayers, allowing him to leave this world through a gradual rather than a sudden death. Eadbert’s body was laid in the grave of the blessed father Cuthbert, and the coffin containing the saint’s body was placed above it. To this day, miracles continue to occur at this sacred site, provided the faith of those seeking them is sufficient. Even the clothes that had touched Eadbert’s blessed body, whether in life or death, are still endowed with healing power.

Chapter 44 #

¹ At one point, a priest from foreign lands arrived at the monastery. He was a follower of the venerable and holy Wilbrord Clement, Bishop of the Frisians. While staying at the monastery, this priest fell gravely ill, and his condition worsened to the point that his life was despaired of. Wracked with pain and lingering between life and death, he devised a hopeful plan. He said to his attendant, “I beg you, after Mass today”—it was a Sunday—“lead me to the tomb of the holy man of God so that I may pray there. I trust in his intercession to save me from these torments, allowing me either to return to health or to die and enter everlasting life.” His attendant did as he asked, guiding him with great difficulty to the church. The priest, leaning on a staff for support, entered the sacred space and knelt before the tomb of the holy father. Bowing his head low to the ground, he poured out his prayer, asking for deliverance. Then, suddenly, he felt a surge of strength course through his body—strength he believed came from the incorruptible body of the saint. Rising from his prayer with ease, he found he no longer needed the support of his attendant or his staff. The priest returned to the guest chamber unaided, completely restored. A few days later, he departed the monastery in perfect health, continuing on his journey as he had originally planned.

Chapter 45 #

¹ In a nearby monastery, there was a young man who had become completely paralyzed, suffering from a condition the Greeks call paralysis. Unable to use any of his limbs, he was sent by his abbot to the monastery at Lindisfarne, knowing that skilled physicians resided there. The abbot hoped they might be able to cure him.

² At the request of their own abbot and bishop, the brethren of Lindisfarne took him in and cared for him with the greatest diligence, using all their medical knowledge. Despite their efforts, the illness grew worse by the day, until the young man was barely able to move at all—only his mouth retained some function. Abandoned by earthly physicians, he turned to the one true Physician in heaven, who forgives all sins and heals all infirmities for those who sincerely seek Him. Placing his trust in God, the young man begged his attendant to bring him something that had come into contact with the incorruptible body of the holy man, believing that, through the blessing of God, he might be restored to health.

³ The attendant, after consulting with the abbot, brought the shoes that the holy man of God had worn in the tomb. He carefully removed the paralyzed young man’s footwear and placed the saint’s shoes on his bare feet, as the paralysis had first afflicted him there. This was done late in the evening, just before bedtime. As soon as the shoes were placed on him, a deep sleep overtook the young man. During the stillness of the night, he began to feel a pulsation in his feet, alternating between them. The attendants, who were awake and observing, noticed the signs and realized that the power of the holy man’s relics was beginning to take effect. They sensed that the healing would soon ascend upward from his feet to the rest of his body.

⁴ When the monastery bell rang for the midnight prayer, the young man awoke at the sound and, to everyone’s astonishment, sat up. He discovered that his nerves and joints had suddenly been strengthened from within. His pain was completely gone, and, realizing he had been healed, he stood up. Throughout the entire midnight service of prayer and song, he remained standing, offering heartfelt thanks to God.

⁵ In the morning, he went to the cathedral. There, in the presence of all the rejoicing brethren, he walked unassisted around the sacred places, offering prayers and thanksgiving to his Savior. The man who had been brought to the monastery weak and paralyzed, carried in a cart, now returned home on his own strength, with all his limbs restored and renewed. This miraculous healing reminds us of the mighty works of the Most High, whose power and wonders have been revealed to humanity from the beginning of the world and never cease to manifest.

Chapter 46 #

¹ I believe it would be wrong to omit the heavenly miracle that Divine mercy revealed through the ruins of the holy oratory, where the venerable father Cuthbert once waged his solitary spiritual warfare in service to the Lord. Whether this miracle was wrought through the merits of the blessed Cuthbert himself, or his successor Ethelwald—a man equally devoted to God—the true answer is known only to the Searcher of hearts. There is no reason why it could not be attributed to both of them, working in harmony with the faith of the most holy father Felgeld. Through him and in him, the miraculous healing I am about to describe was brought to pass. Felgeld, the third to reside in that sacred place and engage in its spiritual labors, is now more than seventy years old and patiently awaits the end of this life, looking forward to the eternal one.

² After God’s servant Cuthbert had been taken up to the heavenly kingdom, Ethelwald began his time of service on the same island and in the same monastery. Over the years, as he deepened his life of prayer and conversation with the monks, he gradually sought to attain the perfection of an anchorite’s calling.

³ The walls of the oratory, which had been constructed somewhat carelessly from wooden planks, had grown loose and unstable with age. As the planks separated, gaps began to appear, allowing wind and rain to enter. However, the venerable Ethelwald, whose focus was on the splendor of the heavenly home rather than earthly comfort, used whatever materials were at hand—hay, clay, or anything else he could find—to fill the cracks. He did this so that the harsh winds and storms would not distract him from his intense prayers. When Ethelwald entered the oratory and observed these makeshift repairs, he requested that the visiting brethren bring him a calf’s skin. Using nails, he fastened the skin securely in the corner where he and his predecessor, Cuthbert, used to kneel or stand in prayer, protecting the space from the elements.

⁴ Twelve years later, he too ascended to the joys of the heavenly kingdom, and Felgeld became the third inhabitant of the place. It then seemed good to the right reverend Eadfrid, bishop of the church of Lindisfarne, to restore the time-worn oratory from its foundations. Once this was accomplished, many devout individuals asked Christ’s holy servant Felgeld for a small portion of the relics of God’s servant Cuthbert or of Ethelwald, his successor. Felgeld therefore decided to cut the aforementioned calfskin into pieces and distribute a portion to each person. However, he first experienced its power himself, as his face was greatly disfigured by swelling and a red patch. The symptoms of this condition had long been apparent to the monks while he lived among them. But now, living in solitude with less attention to his personal well-being, practicing even greater austerities, and, like a prisoner, rarely exposing himself to the sun or fresh air, the affliction worsened, and his face became one large red swelling.

⁵ Fearing, therefore, that he might be forced to abandon his solitary life and return to the monastery, he placed his trust in faith, believing that he could heal himself through the aid of the holy men whose dwelling he inhabited and whose holy life he sought to imitate. He soaked a piece of the aforementioned calfskin in water and washed his face with it, whereupon the swelling was immediately healed, and the scar disappeared. I was first informed of this by a devout priest from the monastery of Jarrow, who stated that he had personally known Felgeld’s face to be in the deformed and diseased condition I have described and that he saw and even touched it with his hand through the window after it was healed. Later, Felgeld himself told me the same account, confirming the priest’s report and declaring that his face remained free from blemish for all the many years he spent in that place. He attributed this to the power of Almighty Grace, which heals many in this world and, in the world to come, will heal all the afflictions of our minds and bodies, fulfilling our desires for good things and crowning us forever with mercy and compassion. Amen.