The Shrine of Saint Cuthbert at Durham Cathedral
Read Full ArticleThe story of Durham Cathedral begins 80 miles away in the Lindisfarne Monastery, founded by Irish monks around 635. Lindisfarne island housed the famous monastery where monks copied the gospels, adorning some pages with exquisite illustrations. One of the illuminated manuscripts is known today as the Lindisfarne Gospels, created in honor of Lindisfarne’s most famous bishop, Saint Cuthbert.
The ascetic Saint Cuthbert (634-687) evangelized Northumbria and helped foster a reconciliation between Celtic and Roman Catholic Christians. He entered the Melrose Abbey as a novice at age 16, where soon Cuthbert and the other monks exchanged their Celtic tonsures for the Roman tonsure. Eventually he became the Melrose Abbey Prior and later Abbot of Lindisfarne. Cuthbert traveled on foot to remote locations to preach and administer the sacraments. Though known for his humility, generosity to the poor, love of animals, and an ability to heal and perform miracles, he sought a more reclusive life. His reputation, however, earned the attention of church leaders and King Ecgfrith, who recruited him to become bishop.