Saint Bede More Saints
Saint Bede the Venerable, priest and doctor
(c. 673-735)
Saint Bede Translating the Gospel of John - Painting by J. D PenroseFrom a letter on the death of the Venerable Bede, by Cuthbert
I desire to see Christ
On Tuesday before the feast of the Ascension, Bede's breathing became labored and a slight swelling appeared in his legs. Nevertheless, he gave us instruction all day long and dictated cheerfully during the whole time. Among other things he repeated several times: "Learn your lesson quickly, for I do not know how long I shall be with you nor whether my Maker will soon take me from you." It seemed to us, however, that he knew very well that his end was near, and so he spent the whole night giving thanks to God.
At daybreak on Wednesday he told us to finish the writing we had begun. We worked until nine o'clock, when we went in procession with the relics as the custom of that day required. But one of our community, a boy named Wilbert, stayed with him and said to him: "Dear master, there is still one more chapter to finish in that book you were dictating. Do you think it would be too hard for you to answer any more questions?" Bede replied: "Not at all; it will be easy. Take up your pen and ink, and write quickly," and he did so.
At three o'clock, Bede said to me: "I have a few treasures in my private chest, some pepper, napkins, and a little incense. Run quickly and bring the priests of our monastery, and I will distribute among them these little presents that God has given me."
When the priests arrived he spoke to them and asked each one to offer Masses and prayers for him regularly. They gladly promised to do so. The priests were sad, however, and they all wept, especially because Bede had said that he thought they would not see his face much longer in this world. Yet they rejoiced when he said: "If it so please my Maker, it is time for me to return to him who created me and formed me out of nothing when I did not exist. I have lived a long time, and the righteous Judge has taken good care of me during my whole life. The time has come for my departure, and I long to die and be with Christ. My soul yearns to see Christ, my King, in all his glory." He said many other things which profited us greatly, and so he passed the day joyfully till evening.
When evening came, young Wilbert said to Bede, "Dear master, there is still one sentence that we have not written down." Bede said: "Quick, write it down." In a little while, Wilbert said: "There; now it is written down." Bede said: "Good. You have spoken the truth; it is finished. Hold my head in your hands, for I really enjoy sitting opposite the holy place where I used to pray; I can call upon my Father as I sit there."
And so Bede, as he lay upon the floor of his cell, sang: "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit." And when he had named the Holy Spirit, he breathed his last breath. We believe most firmly that Bede has now entered into the joy of the heaven he longed for, since his labors here on earth were always dedicated to the glory of God.Source: The Liturgy of the Hours - Office of Readings
Saint Bede (c. 673-735) was born near St. Peter and St. Paul monastery in Wearmouth-Jarrow, England in 673. He was sent there when three and was educated by abbots Saint Benedict Boscop and Ceolfrid. He became a monk at the monastery and was ordained to the priesthood at age 30. He lived half of his life in the monastery, devoting himself to the study of Scripture, teaching and writing. Saint Bede is considered one of the most learned men of his time and a major influence on English literature. His writings are a veritable summary of the learning of his time and include commentaries on the Pentateuch and
various other books of the Bible, theological and scientific treaties, historical works, and biographies.
His best-known work is Historia ecclesiastica, a history of the English Church and people completed in 731 is a primary source of early English history up to the year 729. For this work he known as the" father" of English history. He was given the title "the Venerable" to acknowledge his wisdom and learning, a title formalized at the Council of Aachen in 853. He was the first to date events anno Domini (A.D.), and in 1899 was declared "Doctor of the Church", the only English one to date. He died at the monastery in Wearmouth-Jarrow in 735 at age 62.
Narrated by Frank Dugan
More homilies and written works from Saint Bede
