Saint Godric of Finchale

Biography

Saint Godric of Finchale, also known as Godrick, was born in 1069 in Walpole, Norfolk, England. He was the oldest of three children born to a freedman Anglo-Saxon farmer. From a young age, Godric displayed a sense of adventure and a desire to explore the world. He embarked on a life of travel, both on land and sea, working as a peddler and later as a merchant mariner. His journeys took him along the coast of the British Isles and throughout Europe. During his seafaring days, Godric lived a life that was far from religious. He was known to indulge in drinking, fighting, chasing women, and even engaging in questionable activities such as conning customers. In fact, a contemporary manuscript referred to him as a "pirate." However, everything changed when Godric visited the holy island of Lindisfarne during one of his voyages. It was on Lindisfarne that Godric had a transformative experience. He encountered the life and spirituality of Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and was deeply moved by it. This encounter sparked a spiritual awakening in Godric, leading him to convert to Christianity and dedicate his life to God. Inspired by his newfound faith, Godric embarked on a series of pilgrimages to various holy sites. He traveled to Jerusalem and the Holy Lands, Santiago de Compostela, and the shrine of Saint Gaul in Provence. He also made a pilgrimage to Rome, Italy. As an act of self-imposed austerity and to always remember Christ's humility in becoming human, Godric decided to never wear shoes, regardless of the season. During his time in the Holy Lands, Godric lived as a hermit and worked in a hospital near Jerusalem. His desire for a solitary and contemplative life led him to become a hermit for nearly sixty years at Finchale in County Durham, England. Initially, he lived in a cave, but later he established a more formal hermitage. It is believed that he was led to this particular site by a vision of Saint Cuthbert, whose life had greatly inspired him. Life as a hermit was incredibly challenging for Godric. He lived in a small hut made of mud and wattle, with no shoes and a hair shirt under a metal breastplate. He subjected himself to extreme practices such as standing in icy waters to control his desires. At times, he survived on berries and roots for sustenance. The challenges of his ascetic life were further exacerbated when he was brutally attacked by Scottish raiders who mistakenly believed he possessed hidden treasures. Despite these difficulties, Godric gained a reputation for his close connection with wild animals, his supernatural visions, and his gift of prophecy. He was known to have knowledge of events occurring hundreds or even thousands of miles away. His wisdom and spiritual insight attracted the attention of notable figures such as Saint Aelred, Saint Robert of Newminster, Saint Thomas Beckett, and Pope Alexander III, whom he counseled. In addition to his spiritual experiences, Godric was also a poet. He wrote poetry in Medieval English, and one of his most famous works is the brief song "Sainte nicholaes," which is considered one of the oldest surviving examples of lyric poetry in the English language. It is believed that Godric received these songs, complete with lyrics and music, through his miraculous visions. Saint Godric is often depicted as a very old hermit dressed in white. In artistic representations, he is seen kneeling on grass, holding a rosary, and accompanied by a stag. He passed away on May 21, 1170, at Finchale in County Durham, England, due to natural causes. Although Saint Godric does not have a specifically appointed patronage, his life and example can inspire all who seek to overcome their past, transform their lives, and dedicate themselves to a spiritual journey. His story serves as a reminder that no matter one's past, redemption and spiritual growth are always possible.