Saint Herbert of Derwentwater

Biography

Saint Herbert of Derwentwater, also known as Saint Herbert of Derwent, was a Benedictine monk and priest who lived in the 7th century. He is best known as a disciple and close friend of Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne. Herbert was born in the Kingdom of Northumbria, in present-day England, during the early 7th century. Little is known about his early life, but he eventually entered the monastic life and became a member of the Benedictine Order. He dedicated his life to prayer, contemplation, and serving God. Herbert's close relationship with Saint Cuthbert began when he became acquainted with the renowned monk and hermit. Cuthbert had a great reputation for his holiness and was known to have close ties with nature. As a hermit, he chosen to live on the isolated island of Inner Farne, near the coast of Northumberland. Herbert, inspired by Cuthbert's spirituality and dedication, sought his guidance and became his devoted disciple. The two monks shared a deep bond through their shared love of God and commitment to the monastic life. Herbert would often visit Cuthbert at his hermitage on Inner Farne, and they would spend time together in prayer and conversation. In the year 686, Cuthbert visited Herbert on his own island named Lake Derwentwater, which later came to be known as Saint Herbert's Island. During this visit, Cuthbert had a prophetic revelation that he would soon die and urged Herbert to ask for any spiritual favors he desired. Both saints fervently prayed together, asking that they be allowed to pass from this world to the next at the same time. Soon after their prayer, Herbert fell ill and remained sick until the day of his death. On March 20, 687, Saint Herbert of Derwentwater and Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne both passed away. It was believed that their prayers were granted, as their souls departed together, reinforcing their spiritual bond. In recognition of Saint Herbert's holiness and his significant role in spreading the faith, Bishop Thomas Appleby of Carlisle made a decree in 1374. He ordered the vicar of Crosthwaite to celebrate a special Mass every year on Saint Herbert's Isle on the feast day of March 20. Additionally, he granted a 40-day Indulgence to all who visited the island on this day, further emphasizing Saint Herbert's sanctity. Today, the ruins of a circular stone building on Saint Herbert's Isle are believed to be connected to him, serving as a reminder of his presence and devotion to his hermitage. Though not officially declared a patron saint of any specific cause or group, Saint Herbert of Derwentwater remains venerated for his exemplary life of prayer, his friendship with Saint Cuthbert, and his unwavering commitment to serving God.