Saint Chad of Mercia, also known as Saint Ceadda, was a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon bishop, monastic founder, and missionary who played a crucial role in the evangelization of the Kingdom of Mercia. His humility, piety, and devotion to spreading the Gospel made him one of the most beloved early English saints.
Early Life and Formation
Saint Chad was born around 634 in Northumbria, one of four brothers who all became monks, including Saint Cedd, who later became Bishop of the East Saxons. Chad was educated at the great Irish monastic school of Lindisfarne under Saint Aidan, the Irish missionary who brought Celtic Christianity to Northumbria. This formation instilled in Chad a spirit of asceticism, humility, and zeal for missionary work.
To further his studies, Chad is believed to have traveled to Ireland, where he deepened his knowledge of the Scriptures and monastic traditions. Upon returning to England, he likely assisted his brother Cedd in missionary activities, especially in the Midlands and East Anglia.
Bishop of York and Controversy
After the death of Saint Cedd in 664, Chad was appointed Abbot of Lastingham, a monastery founded by his brother. However, the political and ecclesiastical landscape of England was changing rapidly due to the Synod of Whitby (664), which sought to align the English Church more closely with Roman customs rather than the Celtic traditions.
Following the plague-induced death of Saint Wilfrid, who had been appointed Bishop of York, King Oswiu of Northumbria named Chad as his successor. Chad was consecrated by Wini, the Bishop of Winchester, with the assistance of two Welsh bishops, who still followed Celtic practices. However, when Saint Theodore of Tarsus became Archbishop of Canterbury in 669, he ruled that Chad’s consecration was irregular according to Roman customs and asked him to step down in favor of Wilfrid, who had returned from exile.
Chad, in his characteristic humility, immediately obeyed without protest, saying that he never sought high office but had only accepted it out of obedience. Impressed by Chad’s humility, Saint Theodore remarked, “You are the holiest of men,” and soon arranged for him to be appointed Bishop of Mercia instead.
Missionary Work in Mercia
As Bishop of Mercia (based in Lichfield), Chad tirelessly traveled on foot to evangelize the people, establishing churches, monasteries, and centers of learning. His humility was so profound that Saint Theodore had to insist that Chad ride a horse instead of walking everywhere, a rare instance where an archbishop had to order a bishop to ease his asceticism!
Under Chad’s leadership, the diocese of Mercia flourished. He focused on deepening the faith of the people, instructing both nobles and peasants with gentleness. He continued the work of converting the Angles, Saxons, and Britons, fostering a Christian identity among the still largely pagan population.
Death and Legacy
Saint Chad died on March 2, 672, after serving as Bishop of Mercia for only three years. His passing was marked by mystical signs: his faithful monk Owin reported seeing a vision of angels coming to take Chad’s soul to heaven. This account, recorded by Saint Bede the Venerable, contributed to Chad’s immediate veneration as a saint.
His relics were enshrined at Lichfield, where they became a site of pilgrimage, and later transferred to Birmingham, where parts of them remain to this day in the Basilica of St. Chad.
Veneration and Feast Day
Saint Chad is venerated as one of the great early English saints. His feast day is celebrated on March 2 in both the Catholic Church and the Church of England.
Patronage:
- Mercia and Lichfield
- Birmingham
- Learning and education
- Missionaries and evangelists
Spiritual Lessons from Saint Chad
- Humility in Leadership – Chad’s willingness to step aside for Saint Wilfrid teaches us detachment from ambition and personal honor.
- Zeal for Evangelization – He tirelessly spread the Gospel, reminding us that faith is to be shared, not hidden.
- Monastic Simplicity – Even as a bishop, he maintained an ascetic lifestyle, modeling detachment from worldly comforts.
- Obedience to the Church – His deference to Saint Theodore shows the virtue of submission to ecclesiastical authority.
Saint Bede summed up Chad’s life as one of “continual prayer, teaching, and good works.” May his example inspire us to embrace a life of faith, humility, and service!
Saint Chad of Mercia, pray for us!