St. Bede the Venerable

ST. BEDE BIOGRAPHY

St. Bede the Venerable, also known as Bede of Jarrow or the Venerable Bede, was an English monk and theologian who lived in the 8th century AD. He is considered one of the most prominent figures of the early English Church and is widely recognized for his scholarly and literary contributions.

St. Bede was born in the kingdom of Northumbria in 673 AD. He was sent to the monastic school at the monastery of Monkwearmouth-Jarrow at the age of seven and received a thorough education in the liberal arts, theology, and scripture. He became a monk and spent the rest of his life at the monastery, dedicating himself to the study of scripture and the pursuit of scholarship.

One of St. Bede’s most notable achievements was his authorship of “Ecclesiastical History of the English People,” a history of the Christian Church in England from its earliest days to his own time. This work was widely read and considered one of the most important historical texts of the early Middle Ages.

In addition to his historical writing, St. Bede was also a skilled theologian and biblical commentator. He wrote commentaries on most of the books of the Bible and many of his works were used as standard texts in monastic schools for centuries.

St. Bede was also a skilled hymnographer and is credited with composing several hymns that are still in use in the liturgy today. His hymns were known for their beauty and simplicity and were widely used in monastic chant.

St. Bede died in 735 AD at the monastery of Jarrow. His death was regarded as a significant loss for the monastic community and for the Church in England. His remains were buried in the monastery church, but were later transferred to Durham Cathedral.

St. Bede was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1899 and is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. His feast day is celebrated on May 25th. Many churches, monasteries, and schools are dedicated to St. Bede around the world and he is considered as an important figure in the history of scholarship, education, and the Church in England.

St. Bede is also known as the “father of English history” and his works, including his historical and biblical commentaries, provide valuable insight into the cultural and religious world of early medieval England. His writings are considered to be some of the most important historical and literary works of the early Middle Ages, and his legacy continues to be studied and celebrated today.

The Life of St. Bede

A prodigy of learning, a burning light of the Church, the illustrious ornament of the Anglo-Saxon Church, and the first English historian, such was St. Bede who was born about the bear 673. He became a Benedictine Monk, and wrote many historical and biographical works, including beautiful lives of Anglo-Saxon Saints, commentaries on portions or books of Sacred Scripture, homilies and sermons, as well as essays on astronomy, geography, music and poetry.

Up to the hour of his death, on Ascension Day, 735, Saint Bede was engaged in translating the Gospel of St. John from Greek and he spent that day joyfully. That evening, his attendant said, “Dear master, there is yet one sentence unwritten”. To which he replied, “Write it quickly”. His attendant obeyed promptly, saying, “Now it is written”. Saint Bede answered: “Good! Thou hast said the truth; take my head into thy hands, for it is very pleasant to me to sit facing my old praying place, and there to call upon my Father”. While singing, “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost”, just as he said “Holy Ghost”, his holy soul went forth to meet his Triune God.

Prayers to St. Bede

 

Prayer for the Intercession of St. Bede

Lord,
You have enlightened Your Church
with the learning of Saint Bede.
In Your love
may Your people learn from his wisdom
and benefit from his prayers.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

---

Prayer Written by St. Bebe

Lord God almighty,
open wide the door of my heart
and illumine it with the grace of the Holy Spirit,
that I may seek what is pleasing to your will.
Guide my thoughts and my heart,
and lead my life in the way of your commandments,
that I may always seek to fulfill them,
and that I may grasp the eternal joys of the heavenly life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

---

Prayer Written by Saint Bebe for Repentance

Assist our ransomed hearts, Christ, our High Charity, pour warm tears, we beg, upon our voices. Unto thee we pour forth our prayers in faith, most pious Jesus. Set us free, O Christ, we beg, from the deeds of evil that we have done. By the mark of the holy cross on thy hallowed body, guard us everywhere like sons all, we ask thee.

St. Bede the Venerable: The Patron Saint of Scholars and Historians

St. Bede the Venerable, also known as the Father of English History, was a monk, scholar, and historian who lived in the 7th and 8th centuries. He is remembered for his contributions to the fields of theology, scripture, and history, and is considered one of the greatest minds of the early medieval period.

Born in Northumbria in 672, Bede was sent to the monastery at Jarrow at the age of seven, where he spent the rest of his life. He devoted himself to the study of scripture, theology, and history, and wrote numerous works on a variety of subjects, including biblical commentaries, hagiographies, and historical accounts.

One of his most notable works is the Ecclesiastical History of the English People, a comprehensive history of the English Church and people from the time of the Roman Empire to the early 8th century. This work is considered one of the earliest and most important historical accounts of England, and it provides valuable insight into the political, social, and religious life of the time.

In recognition of his contributions to the fields of history and scholarship, St. Bede the Venerable was named the patron saint of scholars and historians. This designation reflects the importance of his work in shaping our understanding of the past and the role of education in preserving and advancing knowledge.

St. Bede’s legacy continues to be celebrated today, with numerous institutions and organizations dedicated to the study of history, theology, and scripture bearing his name. His life and work serve as an inspiration to all who are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the preservation of the cultural heritage of our ancestors.

In conclusion, St. Bede the Venerable was a pioneering scholar and historian whose contributions to our understanding of the past are still celebrated today. As the patron saint of scholars and historians, he remains a symbol of the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge, and serves as an inspiration to those who seek to expand our collective understanding of the world.

 

Reflection on the feast day of St. Bede the Venerable

The feast day of St. Bede the Venerable is on May 25th.

St. Bede the Venerable, also known as the “”Father of English History””, was a monk, theologian, and historian of the early Christian church in England. He lived in the 7th and 8th centuries and is remembered for his great contributions to the study of history and theology. He is also remembered for his great piety and devotion to God.

On the feast day of St. Bede, we are called to reflect on his life and the example he set for us. We can learn from his deep love for God and his commitment to studying and understanding the faith. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge, not just for its own sake, but to better understand and love God.

Bede’s writings, including his “”Ecclesiastical History of the English People””, have not only provided valuable historical information, but also served as a testimony of the faith that existed during his time. His writings were influential in spreading Christianity throughout England. He also wrote commentaries on scripture, hymns, and letters. He is a model of how the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship can be a way to deepen our faith and draw us closer to God.

Let us ask for the intercession of St. Bede, that we may be inspired by his example to deepen our own devotion to God and to the study of our faith. Let us also pray that we may be guided in our own pursuits of knowledge and scholarship, so that we may better understand and love God and share the faith with others.

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Saints Similar to St. Bede the Venerable

You may also be interested in reading the St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and St. Aidan of Lindisfarne. St. Bede the Venerable, St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, and St. Aidan of Lindisfarne were all associated with the early Christian mission and monastic life in the British Isles. St. Bede was a historian and scholar, while St. Cuthbert and St. Aidan were monks and missionaries who contributed to the Christianization of Northumbria. Next up: Biography of St. Benedict

 

Also check out our handmade St. Bede the Venerable Medal and St. Bede the Venerable Rosary and St. Bede the Venerable Rosary Bracelet.