St. Aidan of Lindesfarne

St. Aidan was born in Ireland; before he became a monk, he is thought to have been taught by St. Senan. King Oswald of Northumbria requested that that Aidan become bishop of Lindesfarne and here the saint became renowned for his holiness of life, his concern for the poor, his learning, and his preaching. Aidan lived simply and found pomp distasteful. He was known for miracles during his lifetime. He founded a monastery in Lindesfarne that soon became known for its learning; the monastery became known as the English Iona and it served as northern England’s center for missionary activity and learning. Aidan died in 651 at Bamburgh. His feast day is August 31