The details of Saint Bede the Venerable's life are shrouded in darkness, leaving us with few hard facts. However, his writings have provided information about the development of Christianity — especially in England — that is priceless.
His greatest work, Ecclesiastical History of the English People, is still in print today. Bede's dedication to history and to the meticulous recording of facts earned him the title of "Doctor of the Church." He is the only English person to ever hold that title.
Birth and Early Life of Bede
Bede was born in either 672 or 673 in Wearmouth-Jarrow, Northumberland, England. At the age of seven, according to Bede himself, he was given by relatives into the care of Benedict Biscop- later Saint Benedict Biscop-, the abbot of the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul. He was later turned over to Abbot Ceolfrid.
Bede quickly became accustomed to monastery life, writing how it was his delight to learn, teach, sing, and write. At the age of 19, he became an ordained deacon, notable in a period in which the age of 25 was usually required. He was also put in charge of the education of the boys and younger monks. He became a full priest at the age of 30.
Saint Bede's Writings
Saint Bede, unlike many historians of his time, went to the trouble to annotate his writings. He noted when he received the information from another source, and who that source was. He also noted the difference between facts and hearsay. Even more amazing for a writer of that time, he begged those who copied his work in the future to keep these notes in place.
Bede's greatest work, without a doubt, was his Ecclesiastical History of the English People. This work, which includes the story of Christianity in England from the beginning to his own time, forms the foundation of our knowledge of early British history. It is the most authoritative source available to scholars. Bede's other works include a history of the abbots of his own monastery, biographies, — including Life and Miracles of St. Cuthbert — a martyrology, a description of Jerusalem and other holy places, a commentary on the Pentateuch, and two chronological works on the history of the world from creation to his time.
Death and Sainthood of Saint Bede
Bede died in 735 in the company of many of his disciples. He died on the day of the vigil of Ascension, singing "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost." The title of Venerable (Venerabilis in the Latin of Bede's day) was associated with him within two generations of his death, most notably by the Council of Aachen in 835.
In 1859, Cardinal Wiseman and English bishops petitioned the Vatican to have Bede declared a Doctor of the Church. On November 13, 1899, the petition was granted by Pope Leo XIII. His feast day is May 25th and Saint Bede the Venerable is the patron saint of scholars.
A Historian Who Lives on Today
Unlike many saints, Bede's life was a quiet one dedicated to study, not a life full of excitement, miracles, and power struggles. His quiet life and dedication provide not only an example but priceless information which would not have been preserved without him. Bede's knowledge lives on today, as does his writings, some of which are "still in print" 1,300 years after he lived.
Sources:
Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. (2001). The Encyclopedia of Saints. Visionary Living, Inc. Checkmark Books, New York, NY.
Paul, Tessa. (2009). The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Saints. Lorenz Books, Anness Publishing Ltd. London, UK.
Second Vatican Ecumenical Council. (1975). The Liturgy of the Hours. Catholic Book Publishing Inc., New York.
St. Bede the Venerable Church. (unknown). St. Bede the Venerable. Link to article.
Thurston, Herbert. (2007). Bede, Venerable. The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1914. Catholic Answers (2007), San Diego, CA. Link to article.
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