Saint Oswald of Northumbria

Biography

Saint Oswald of Northumbria, also known as Oswald of Bernicia, was born in approximately 605 in Northumbria, England. He was the son of King Aethelfrith the Ravager of Bernicia and Princess Aacha of Deira, and the second of seven children. Oswald's siblings included Saint Ebbe the Elder, and he was the nephew of Saint Ethelreda. When Oswald was just eleven years old, his father was killed in battle. Following his father's death, his mother fled with the family for the court of King Eochaid Buide at Dunadd in modern Scotland. It was here that Oswald converted to Christianity and began his journey of faith. Oswald and his brother Oswiu received their education at the Iona Abbey, a renowned center for Christian learning at that time. It was during this period that Oswald developed a deep devotion to his faith and a strong spiritual connection. As he grew older, Oswald became a soldier and participated in battles. He is known to have fought at the Battle of Fid Eoin in 628. Contemporary writings describe him as a man with remarkable physical attributes, such as long and powerful arms, bright blue eyes, yellow hair, a long face with a thin beard, and a kindly smile on his lips. It is also reported that he had a pet raven for many years. In 634, Oswald formed his own army and returned to Northumbria to reclaim his throne. He defeated King Cadwallon of Gwynedd, who had previously invaded and taken control of Northumbria. Prior to the battle, Oswald had received a vision of Saint Colman of Lindisfarne, and on the night before the battle, he erected a large cross on the field. Oswald attributed his victory to his faith and the intervention of the saint, and this battle became known as the Battle of Heavenfield. Oswald's commitment to his Christian faith extended beyond the battlefield. He brought Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne to Northumbria to serve as the bishop and evangelize the kingdom. Under Oswald's reign, numerous churches and monasteries were built in his realm, and he brought in monks from Scotland to help establish monastic life. Additionally, Oswald married the daughter of King Cynegils of Wessex, and he persuaded Cynegils to allow Saint Birinus to evangelize in their kingdom. Due to his victories in combat and strategic family alliances, Saint Bede, the renowned Catholic scholar, claimed that Oswald was recognized as Bretwalda, a powerful and influential ruler, by all of Saxon England. Oswald's royal standard of purplish-red and gold became the basis of the coat of arms of modern Northumberland. Tragically, Oswald's life was cut short on August 5, 642, when he was killed in battle with invading pagan Welsh and Mercian forces at Maserfield in Shropshire, England. He is often listed as a martyr because of his death in defense of his Christian faith. It is said that he died praying for the souls of his dying bodyguards. After his death, Oswald's body was hacked to pieces on the battlefield, and his head and arms were stuck on poles in triumph. Remarkably, one of his arms was taken by Oswald's pet raven. The arm fell to the ground, and a holy well sprang up at that spot. Many miracles and healings were attributed to Oswald after his death. One story speaks of a horseman whose horse fell and rolled around in pain but was instantly cured when it rolled over the spot where Oswald died. This miraculous event led to the healing of a paralyzed girl. People began to take earth from the spot to mix with water for the sick to drink, and it was believed to possess healing properties. Oswald's niece, who desired to have the king buried at Bardney Abbey in Lincolnshire, faced initial reluctance from the monks there due to their strained relationship with the Northumbrian overlords. However, when the burial train arrived at their door after dark, the coffin emitted a bright light, which they interpreted as a sign from heaven. The monks vowed never to turn anyone away for any reason and allowed the burial to take place. During the washing of Oswald's bones prior to enshrinement, the water poured onto the ground nearby was discovered to have healing properties. Many reported miraculous healings and conversions after using this water. One story tells of a sick man who drank water containing a chip from the stake on which Oswald's head had been spiked, and he was healed and transformed his life. Other miracles attributed to Oswald include the cure of a fever in a young boy who sat by his tomb in Bardney and the healing powers claimed for pieces of the Heavenfield cross and the moss that grew on it. Additionally, it is said that Oswald's intercession stopped a plague in Sussex, England. Saint Oswald of Northumbria was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, although before the institution of formal canonization processes. He is venerated as a saint in the pre-congregation era. His feast day is celebrated on August 5, and the translation of his relics is commemorated on June 20. As an iconographic representation, Saint Oswald is depicted as a king wearing a crown and carrying a scepter and orb, as well as a ciborium, sword, palm branch, and sometimes accompanied by his pet raven. His life and acts have left a significant mark in history, and his legacy as a king and saint continues to inspire many.