St Aidan

Sep 26, 2023

St Aidan is not strictly an Anglo-Saxon saint as he originally came from Ireland. He is included here because of his links with Northumbria and particularly the Isle of Lindisfarne.

Aidan was sent to Northumbria, after the pagan King Penda had persecuted and killed many Christians in the area. Aidan was called on to preach the Gospel and bring Christianity back to Northumbria.

He was largely successful. And became good friends with the local kings. He was unafraid to challenge them and gave wise counsel.

He lived at the monastery at Lindisfarne. One day, on the mainland, he saw fires rise by the castle walls. They were set by King Penda’s men. Aidan was too far away to run and help put out the fires, so fell to his knees in prayer. He lifted up his voice and petitioned God to save the castle and its townsfolk.

A great wind began to blow. It greatly ignited the flames. Which subsequently grew and began to lick around the base of the castle. But as the wind continued, the flames did not rise up the walls of the castle, but along the ground to the feet of Penda’s soldiers. It burnt them and they ran away. The castle was saved.

On another occasion, a priest named Witta was asked to collect the king’s bride-to-be from the Kingdom of Kent. He chartered a ship, but before he left, Aidan gave him a blessing and some holy oil.

On the return journey, a storm arose. The wind cut through the sea without care. The waves climbed high like the fires at the castle, and the inhabitants on the ship prayed to be rescued. Their only hope was in God. As all eyes were closed, Witta recalled the holy oil, given to him by a Aidan.

Taking the oil, he ran to the side of the ship and poured the holy oil into the sea. Instantly, the sea became calm. The ordeal was over.

Here is a prayer purported to have been written by St Aidan. I have read the prayer out loud and added it to my Tower of Adam Video Channel on SubStack.

Click here to listen to it: