St. Cedd
Bishop and Apostle of the East Saxons
Feast Day: October 26
Biography
St. Cedd (d. 664) was one of four brothers from Northumbria in northern England who all became priests; one of them was St. Chad. Our knowledge of him comes from St. Bede's Ecclesiastical History. Cedd was formed in the Irish monastic tradition at Lindisfarne under St. Aidan. In 653 he was among the priests sent to evangelize the Middle Angles after the baptism of their prince, Peada. Soon afterward, when King Sigeberht of the East Saxons became a Christian, Cedd was sent to preach in what is now Essex, and around 654 he was consecrated bishop of the East Saxons. He built churches, ordained clergy, and founded monastic communities, including one at Ythancaestir, now Bradwell-on-Sea, where the stone chapel of St. Peter-on-the-Wall, traditionally linked to him, still stands as one of the oldest churches in England. He also founded the monastery of Lastingham in Yorkshire, preparing the site by weeks of prayer and fasting. At the Synod of Whitby in 664, which settled the dating of Easter, Cedd, who knew both the Irish and English traditions, served as interpreter and accepted the Roman practice. Later that year he died of plague at Lastingham, where he was buried.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Cedd, humble monk and missionary bishop, you planted the faith among the East Saxons and helped the Church find unity. Pray that I may be a bridge between people who disagree and a faithful witness where I live. Help me to prepare every good work with prayer, so that it may bear lasting fruit for the Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Cedd, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Cedd, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.