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As November 19 approaches, Anglicans worldwide prepare to honor St Hilda of Whitby, a figure of immense significance in the history of Christianity in England. Her influence as an abbess and her role in the Church’s development are celebrated to this day.
The Growth of Christianity in Early England
In the seventh century, the region known today as England was divided into several kingdoms. The southern territories, including Kent and Wessex, adopted Christianity via missions initiated by Pope Gregory I, anchored around Canterbury.
Conversely, northern kingdoms like Deira and Bernicia, which later merged into Northumbria, received Christian teachings from both southern Saxon and Celtic missionaries, notably from Iona and Lindisfarne. Mercia, in the Midlands, remained predominantly pagan during this period.
St Hilda’s Royal Heritage
Born into a prominent family, Hilda was the great-niece of King Edwin of Deira. The family embraced Christianity in AD 627, influenced by St Paulinus from Kent. At 13, Hilda was baptized in York, which became a religious hub in northern England following her family’s conversion.
King Oswald succeeded Edwin, further promoting Christianity with support from Irish missionaries led by St Aidan, establishing a base at Lindisfarne. Meanwhile, Hilda’s sister Hereswith settled in East Anglia before becoming a nun in Gaul. Hilda initially joined her but was later called back by Aidan.
Leadership at Whitby
Hilda began her religious life as a nun by the River Wear before becoming an abbess at Hartlepool. She later founded a dual monastery at Streanæshalch (modern-day Whitby) in 657. This monastery emerged as a beacon of learning under her guidance, producing notable bishops, including St Wilfrid, later Bishop of York.
Christian Traditions and the Synod of Whitby
In Northumbria, both Celtic and Roman Christian traditions coexisted, differing mainly in the calculation of Easter. The Celtic method based Easter on the Jewish Passover, while the Roman Church adhered to the Synod of Nicaea’s ruling.
King Oswiu of Northumbria, who followed the Celtic calendar, faced conflicting Easter celebrations with his wife, Queen Eanflaed, who observed the Roman date. To address this, Oswiu convened the Synod of Whitby in 664, hosted by Abbess Hilda.
During the synod, Bishop Colman advocated for the Celtic tradition, while Wilfrid supported the Roman stance, citing St Peter’s authority. Despite preferring Celtic customs, Hilda accepted the decision for church unity, embodying Ephesians 4:3’s call for spiritual harmony.
Legacy and Recognition
St Hilda’s wisdom attracted leaders and scholars, earning her a reputation as a nurturer of talent, highlighted by figures like Cædmon, an early English Christian poet. Much of her life is chronicled by the Venerable Bede, who praised her influence.
Hilda passed away on November 17, AD 680, and was revered as a saint for her piety and leadership, commemorated variably within Christian denominations around mid-November.
Honoring St Hilda
Numerous churches along England’s northeast coast are dedicated to St Hilda, with some suggesting “South Shields” derives from her name. St Hilda’s College at Oxford, founded in 1893, also bears her name, reflecting her enduring legacy.
Prayer and Blessing
The Anglican collect for Hilda of Whitby reads:
“Eternal God, who made the abbess Hilda to shine like a jewel in our land and through her holiness and leadership blessed your Church with new life and unity:
help us, like her, to yearn for the gospel of Christ and to reconcile those who are divided;
through him who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.”
A blessing written by Barrie Williams in her honor states:
“Have peace with one another as children of one mother.
Let each defer to other and may your hearts be one.
Have peace with all around you; sweet love of earth surround you;
and may no harm confound you or break the peace within.
Have peace with God your maker. In Jesus be partaker and Spirit consecrator.
God, Three in One, grant peace.
The peace of God possess you. The love of God caress you.
The grace of heaven bless you; peace everlastingly.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
