Saint Ceolfrid

Biography

Saint Ceolfrid, also known as Ceolfridus, Ceolfrith, Ceufrey, Cewfrey, Gaufrid, Geoffrey, Geoffroy, Geofroi, Gioffredo, Godefrid, Godefridus, Godfrey, Goffredo, Goffrey, Gofrido, Gotfrid, Gottfried, or Jeffrey, was a Saxon Northumbrian noble and a significant figure in the history of the Catholic Church. Born in 642 in Northumbria, England, Ceolfrid grew up in a noble family and received a good education. However, he struggled with practical matters of administration despite his intelligence. At the age of 27, he became a Benedictine monk at the monastery in Gilling, North Yorkshire, and later moved to the monastery in Ripon, England, where he served as a cook. During his time in Ripon, Ceolfrid was ordained as a priest, and his dedication and piety earned him the respect of his fellow monks. However, his strictness as prior of Wearmouth monastery led to his removal, as it was believed that his approach was causing distress to the community. In 678, Ceolfrid accompanied his close friend and mentor, Saint Benedict Biscop, on a pilgrimage to Rome, Italy. This experience had a profound impact on Ceolfrid, deepening his spiritual life and broadening his cultural horizons. Upon their return to England, Ceolfrid became the deputy abbot of Saint Paul's monastery in Wearmouth-Jarrow in 685. During a regional plague outbreak, he and one of his students became the only survivors in their monastery. This devastating event strengthened his faith and commitment to the monastic life. In 690, Ceolfrid was appointed as the abbot of Wearmouth-Jarrow, where he took great measures to transform the monasteries into centers of learning and culture. One of his notable contributions was ordering the production of the Codex Amatianus, which became the oldest known single-volume copy of the entire Vulgate Bible. Ceolfrid intended to present this magnificent work to Pope Gregory II in Rome when he suddenly fell ill and died on 25th September 716 at Longres, Champagne, France, while en route to Rome. Ceolfrid's dedication to education and scholarship influenced many, especially his most famous pupil, the Venerable Bede. Under his guidance, Bede became an outstanding scholar and writer, preserving valuable knowledge for future generations. Saint Ceolfrid's relics were later returned to Jarrow, and his legacy continues to inspire those in search of spiritual enlightenment and the pursuit of knowledge. Although he remains without a designated patronage, his life is remembered and celebrated on his feast day, 25th September. While Saint Ceolfrid has not been officially canonized by the Church, his contributions to monastic life and the propagation of the faith make him a revered figure in Catholic history.