Background

Saint Cuthbert was born into a time of great change and struggle in English history. Born at a time when England was still divided into several Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, St Cuthbert was born into the most northern of these: Northumbria. Thanks to the hard work and missionary zeal of St Aiden, St Hilda and other great missionaries a generation earlier, much of Northumbria was now Christian. The struggle, however, was that many pagans resented the new Christian communities and the feudal politics were as cut-throat as ever. It was into this backdrop that St Cuthbert was born to a noble family a mere ten years after King Edwin had converted in AD 627.

Called to serve

In his early life, it is believed that St Cuthbert spent some time serving in the military. While details are very scarce on his life at this time, we know that even early in life he was a devout Christian and had a very deep and personal faith.

On the night of St Aiden’s death, Cuthbert’s life took at drastic change. Receiving a vision, he felt called by God to become a monk and serve as a missionary; spreading the truth and love of the Christian faith. Not long after, he joined a monastery in Ripon and became an inspirational brother.

He was well-known as a travelling priest spreading the Christian message to remote villages, but also was well able to impress royalty and nobility. Reportedly performing several miracles during his life, St Cuthbert’s most compelling traits were how passionately he seemed to live the message he preached and the peace and completeness this seemed to give him.

St Cuthbert’s fame for piety, diligence and obedience quickly grew. His reputation for gifts of healing and insight led many people to consult him, gaining him the name of “Wonder Worker of Britain”. His missionary zeal saw him travel vast distances across the country and his natural charm made him welcome wherever he went.

A striving heart for God

Despite all this, St Cuthbert’s highest concern was not being in the public eye but rather developing the communion he had with God. With his abbot’s leave, he moved out into the wilderness to live a life a great austerity and solitude. Many still sought after his wisdom and advise but for the most part he spent his life in constant prayer for himself and others.

Called to lead

It wasn’t long, however, before he was called upon again to take up a more active role in the world. When the time came for a new bishop to be appointed, people were desperate for Saint Cuthbert to take up the role. Initially, he resisted. Being a humble and simple man, he didn’t consider it his place to hold such an important role. It was only after a visit from a large group of delegates, including the king, that he eventually accepted the role.

For several years he actively embraced his role as bishop and, like before, did much to support the poor and bring the good news to many. Eventually, however, St Cuthbert felt called to return to his life as a hermit. There he lived out the rest of his life in his cell on Inner Farne Island.

Why Saint Cuthbert is inspiring

A reflection from someone in our young Catholic community

St Cuthbert inspires me mostly because of his humility and discernment. He challenges us to be constantly open to what God is asking of us and always prioritise developing a relationship with Him.

I have always been awed by those who give up everything for their faith and there is no greater example of this than becoming a hermit. The fact that St Cuthbert would prefer to life in complete isolation with nothing but prayer to fill his time is a beautiful example of how important prayer is and how much it fulfils our lives.