Saint Ethelbert of East Anglia

Biography

Saint Ethelbert of East Anglia, also known as Aethelbert, Albert, Albright, and Etelberto, was born as the son of Ethelred, King of the East Angles, and Leofrana. From a young age, Ethelbert showed great piety and a strong desire to pursue religious life. However, his destiny lay in succeeding his father as the King of East Anglia. Ethelbert ascended to the throne and ruled East Anglia for an impressive 44 years. Despite his position, Ethelbert would have preferred to remain celibate and dedicated his life entirely to God. However, with the aim of securing a stable line of succession, he agreed to marry Althryda (Alfrida), the daughter of Offa, King of the Mercians. Despite indications of supernatural warnings against the marriage, Ethelbert proceeded with the union. Unfortunately, he faced various plots and intrigues within the court, orchestrated by his father-in-law Offa. Eventually, Ethelbert fell victim to a plot when he was murdered by a man named Grimbert, instigated by Offa of Mercia. Saint Ethelbert is often listed as a martyr due to his untimely death at the hands of his own father-in-law. Following his murder, his body was discarded unceremoniously as if it were trash. However, divine intervention occurred when a heavenly light identified his remains. Ethelbert's body was eventually located and buried at Maurdine, near the Lugg River in Mercia. Over time, his remains were relocated multiple times. They were transferred to Stratus-way before finding their final resting place in Fernley (modern Hereford, England). Eventually, his remains were enshrined at Hereford Cathedral, becoming an important pilgrimage site. During one of these moves, an extraordinary event occurred. The head of Saint Ethelbert's body fell off the cart carrying it and touched a pedestrian who had been blind for eleven years. Miraculously, the blind man's sight was restored, adding to the saint's reputation for miracles. Additionally, the head of Saint Ethelbert's body was enshrined separately at Westminster Abbey, further highlighting his significance within the Catholic Church. Though Saint Ethelbert was canonized before the formal process of canonization existed, he is recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church. Today, Saint Ethelbert is revered as the patron saint of Hereford, England, and Hereford Cathedral. His life serves as a testament to his unwavering faith and commitment to God, even in the face of difficult and challenging circumstances. Saint Ethelbert's feast day is commemorated on May 20th each year, celebrating his virtuous life and the impact he has had on the faith of many.