Saint Ethelbert of Kent

Biography

Saint Ethelbert of Kent, also known as Ædilberct, Æthelberht, Aedilberct, Aethelberht, Aibert, Albert, and Edilbertus, was born in the year 552. He was the son of Eormenric and the great-grandson of Hengist, the Saxon conqueror of Britain. Raised in a pagan household, Ethelbert worshipped Odin and followed the traditional Saxon beliefs. In the year 560, Ethelbert ascended to the throne and became the King of Kent, an Anglo-Saxon kingdom located in modern-day England. He ruled over his realm for several years but aspired to expand his rule to encompass the entirety of Britain. However, his ambitions were thwarted in 568 when he was defeated by Ceawlin, the King of Wessex, at the Battle of Wimbledon. During his rule, Ethelbert married a Christian named Bertha who was the daughter of Charibert, the King of the Franks. Bertha's Christian beliefs had a profound influence on Ethelbert, leading to his eventual conversion to Christianity. In the year 597, he was baptized by Saint Augustine of Canterbury, who had been sent by Pope Gregory the Great to England to spread the Christian faith. Ethelbert's conversion had a significant impact on his subjects. Inspired by his example and guidance, approximately 10,000 of his fellow countrymen followed suit and were baptized within a few months. He actively supported Saint Augustine and his missionary work, providing land, financial assistance, and exerting his influence to aid the spread of Christianity throughout the kingdom. In recognition of his commitment to the Christian faith and his contributions to its spread, Ethelbert issued the first written laws to the English people in 604. These laws, known as the "Laws of Ethelbert," combined elements of traditional Saxon customs with Christian principles. They served as an important early legal code in England and displayed Ethelbert's dedication to governing his people justly and compassionately. Ethelbert passed away on 24 February 616 in Canterbury, England, due to natural causes. He was buried in the side chapel of Saint Martin in the abbey church of Saints Peter and Paul. Later on, his relics were translated to Canterbury. Although Ethelbert's canonization occurred before the formal process of canonization was established in the Catholic Church, he is recognized as a saint, honored for his commitment to Christianity and his role in its establishment in England. Saint Ethelbert of Kent's feast day is celebrated on 24 February and he is venerated as a pre-congregation saint. While he does not have a specific patronage assigned, his life and example serve as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and the impact one person can have on the spiritual well-being of a nation.