Saint Chad of Mercia

Saint Chad of Mercia, brother of Saints Cedd and Cynibild, was a revered missionary monk whose life exemplified humble service. Ordained in 653 after studying Latin and astronomy, he served as abbot at Lastingham monastery in Yorkshire, guiding Saint Owen. His episcopal journey began unexpectedly when King Oswiu, deeming the see of Lindisfarne vacant after Bishop Wilfrid’s prolonged absence in Gaul, appointed Chad as Bishop of York in 664. Though feeling unworthy, Chad embraced his duty, traversing his vast diocese on foot to evangelize diligently. His tenure was short-lived, however; upon Wilfrid’s return in 666, Archbishop Theodore of Canterbury declared Chad