Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne (c 590- 651) Feast Day August 31st

Saint Aidan was an Irish monk from Saint Columbo’s monastery on the Isle of Iona. In 635 Aidan was made bishop and set off for Northumbria.

He decided to make his new headquarters on Lindisfarne or Holy Island, a rocky island off the east coast of Northumberland. There he built a wooden church and monastery huts for his companions and himself and started a school for boys. The monks lived a life of prayer, study and austerity (no luxuries). From here they went on their missions.

The monastery was in sight of Bamborough, the castle/capital of King Oswald.
Initially he had a problem with the English language so the king interpreted for him. They soon became great friends. Saint Aidan was a simple and gentle man but quick to recognise goodness. He walked everywhere spreading the gospel and founded churches for his small Christian communities. (The king’s son Oswin , when he became king, offered him a horse but he gave it away)

In his years of evangelism he was responsible for the the construction of churches, monasteries and schools throughout Northumbria.

His friend King Oswald was killed after a battle with Penda, king of Mercia. Penda unable to take Bamborough created a fire which he hoped, wind assisted, would destroy the city. Saint Aidan prayed and the wind turned dramatically - Penda’s army retreated.

A while later Oswy invaded Northumbria. Oswin, knowing he could not win, dismissed his army. One of his own earls betrayed him. Saint Aidan died of shock when he heard the news - August 31st 651.

Saint Aidan is known as the Apostle of Northumbria.
Joseph Lightfoot, Bishop of Durhamwent several steps further

• Augustine was the Apostle of Kent, but Aidan was the Apostle of the English*.

I have included some information about the island of Lindisfarne.

Sources used Wikipedia, * The Church’s Year* by Charles Alexander
Marygate House