✝️ Today has been the Feast of Aidan of Lindisfarne.*
He was an Irish monk and missionary who served as the first bishop of Lindisfarne, founded Lindisfarne Priory, and is known as the "Apostle of Northumbria" for his pivotal role in restoring and spreading Christianity throughout northern England in the 7th century through his patient, gentle evangelism and establishment of churches, monasteries, and schools.
(*Yes, Admin should’ve done this first thing but she got a bit behind on things, sorry! - SR)
Anyway, here’s a 🧵:
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“Among other evidences of holy life, he gave his clergy an inspiring example of self-discipline and continence, and the highest recommendation of his teaching to all was that he and his followers lived as they taught. He never sought or cared for any worldly possessions, and loved to give away to the poor who chanced to meet him whatever he received from kings or wealthy folk."
-- Bede
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He was an Irish monk who became the first bishop of Lindisfarne in 635, establishing a monastery and see on the island.
And he’s a Missionary credited with restoring Christianity to Northumbria through patient, gentle evangelism, often walking from village to village.
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He worked closely with King (and Saint) Oswald of Northumbria, who acted as his interpreter in the early years of his mission.
He also founded churches, monasteries, and schools throughout Northumbria, including a training center for future missionaries and clergy on Lindisfarne.
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He was known for his asceticism, charity, and dedication to the poor, often using donations to free slaves and provide education to orphans.
He died on August 31, 651, leaving a lasting legacy of Celtic Christianity in northern England.
Almighty and everlasting God,
who didst call thy servant Aidan of Lindisfarne to preach the Gospel: Raise up, we beseech thee,
in this and every land evangelists and heralds of thy kingdom,
that thy Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee,
in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
ever one God, world without end.
Amen.
✝️ Today we remember Charles Chapman Grafton (1830-1912).
He was an Episcopal bishop, Anglo-Catholic leader, and ecumenist known for his efforts to promote Catholic traditions within Anglicanism, his founding of religious orders, and his work towards Christian unity, particularly between Anglicans and Eastern Orthodox churches.
“Press on the Kingdom!"
-- Charles Chapman Grafton
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Born in Boston in 1830, Charles Chapman Grafton became an ardent supporter of the Oxford Movement and Anglo-Catholicism within the Episcopal Church
He co-founded the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) in England and later helped establish the American Congregation of St. Benedict and the Sisterhood of the Holy Nativity.
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He served as the second Bishop of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin from 1889 to 1912, expanding the diocese and contributing much of his personal wealth.
He was known for his ecumenical efforts, particularly his involvement in the controversial "Fond du Lac Circus" consecration of 1900, which included Orthodox and Polish National Catholic bishops.
✝️ Today in the Daily Office, we remember John the Baptist, who was a prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for baptising people in the Jordan River and preparing the way for the Messiah, who was ultimately beheaded by King Herod Antipas for criticising the king's unlawful marriage.
"He chose to despise the commands of a tyrant, rather than those of God. His example teaches us, that nothing should be dearer to us, than the will of God."
-Lanspergius the Carthusian
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He lived an austere life in the wilderness, wearing camel's hair and subsisting on locusts and wild honey.
And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. KJV Matthew 3:4
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John baptised Jesus and proclaimed him as the Messiah, saying "Behold, the Lamb of God"
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. KJV John 1:29
✝️In today's Daily Office, we remember Augustine, Bishop of Hippo and Teacher of the Faith.
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Augustine of Hippo (354-430) was a renowned theologian, philosopher, and bishop in North Africa who profoundly shaped Western Christian thought through his influential writings on topics like original sin, divine grace, and the Church, becoming one of the most important Church Fathers and a Doctor of the Church.
"Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee."
- Augustine of Hippo
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Augustine converted to Christianity at age 32 after a spiritual journey, becoming Bishop of Hippo in 395 and serving until his death in 430.
His conversion was brought about by Saint Monica, his mother.
Today in our Daily Office (dailyoffice2019.com), we remember Saint Monica (c. 332-387), Patron Saint of wives and abuse victims, a devout North African Christian woman revered for her persistent prayers and unwavering faith that led to the conversion of her son, Saint Augustine of Hippo, who became one of the most influential theologians and philosophers in Christian history.
"She brought me to birth both in her body so that I was born into the light of time, and in her heart so that I was born into the light of eternity" .
-- Augustine, Confessions 9,17
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Born c. 332 in Thagaste (modern Algeria), Monica was a devout Christian who married Patricius, a pagan with a difficult temperament.
Through her patience, prayers, and virtuous example, Monica influenced the conversion of both her husband and mother-in-law to Christianity.
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She persistently prayed for her son Augustine's conversion for 17 years, following him to Rome and Milan, where he eventually embraced Christianity.
Monica's spiritual wisdom and intellectual gifts were recognized by Augustine and others, as evidenced by her participation in philosophical discussions at Cassiciacum.
✝️ Today we remember King Louis IX, King of France (1214-1270).
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He was a devout Catholic monarch known for his piety, justice, and leadership of two Crusades, who was canonized as a saint for his exemplary Christian life and service to the Church.
"I think more of the church where I was baptized than of Rheims Cathedral where I was crowned (as King of France). It is a greater thing to be a child of God than to be the ruler of a Kingdom."
-- Louis IX
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Louis IX reigned as King of France from 1226 to 1270, known for his piety, justice, and charitable works.
He implemented significant legal reforms, establishing royal courts and promoting fair trials based on evidence rather than trial by combat.
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He led two Crusades (the Seventh and Eighth) to the Holy Land, demonstrating his commitment to defending Christendom.
In 1248, fulfilling a vow made during a serious illness, he embarked on the Seventh Crusade to the Holy Land.
Although this expedition ended in failure and his capture by Egyptian forces, Louis's conduct during his imprisonment impressed even his captors, who were said to kneel when speaking to him.
After his release, he spent four years in the Holy Land, visiting holy sites and negotiating for the release of Christian prisoners.
Louis's final act of faith was his leadership of the Eighth Crusade in 1270. Landing in Tunis with the hope of converting the local emir, Louis and his army were instead struck by disease.