Saint Egwin of Worcester

Biography

Saint Egwin of Worcester, also known as Egwin of Evesham or by various other names including Ecgwin, Ecgwine, Eegwine, Egvino, and Egwinus, was an English nobleman and a descendant of the Mercian kings. Born in the 7th century in England, he dedicated his life to the service of God from a young age, becoming a Benedictine monk. In 692, Egwin was consecrated as the Bishop of Worcester, assuming the responsibility of shepherding the faithful in his diocese. However, during his tenure, he faced certain challenges related to the need for reform. Unfortunately, in his attempt to address the issues, Egwin's approach was deemed overly severe by some of his priests. He was consequently charged with excessive severity towards them. To answer these charges and allow for a period of reconciliation and reflection, Egwin decided to undertake a penitential pilgrimage to Rome. In a symbolic act, he shackled his feet and threw the key into the River Avon, vowing not to release himself until he had reached Rome. A remarkable miracle occurred when, upon arriving in Rome, the key mysteriously reappeared in the belly of a fish he purchased in the market. Upon his return from Rome, fueled by a desire for renewal and repentance, Egwin founded the Benedictine monastery of Evesham in England. The site for the monastery was chosen due to a reported apparition of the Virgin Mary to a local herdsman. Over time, the monastery grew into one of the prominent Benedictine houses of the Middle Ages, attracting many devout followers. Throughout his life, Saint Egwin diligently served as the Bishop of Worcester. He peacefully passed away on 30 December 717 of natural causes. He was buried at the Evesham monastery, where his relics were subsequently translated for veneration in 1039. Recognizing his holiness, his relics were once again translated in 1077, during a regional tour that generated substantial donations to finance the rebuilding of the monastery's church. Although Saint Egwin does not have a designated patronage, his life and actions provide an example of humility, repentance, and the pursuit of reform. His representation in religious art often includes a bishop holding a fish and a key, symbolizing his pilgrimage to Rome and the miraculous recovery of the key. Saint Egwin's feast days are celebrated on 30 December, 10 September (the translation of his relics), and 11 January (another translation of his relics). Canonized before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Saint Egwin's sanctity and dedication to his faith have been recognized for centuries. His life serves as an inspiration for all believers, reminding them of the importance of reflection, repentance, and the pursuit of reform in the service of God and His people.