St. Bede the Venerable
Feast Day: May 25
“Unfurl the sails, and let God steer us where He will.” – St. Bede the Venerable
A Scholar and Servant of God
St. Bede the Venerable, priest, monk, historian, and Doctor of the Church, is honored for his profound scholarship, deep holiness, and his role in preserving and transmitting the history of the early Church in England. His feast day, celebrated on May 25, commemorates his life of learning, faith, and devotion to God.
A Life Dedicated to Prayer and Study
Bede was born around 673 A.D. in Northumbria, England, and entered the Benedictine monastery at Jarrow as a boy. He spent his entire life in the monastery, devoted to prayer, study, teaching, and writing.
Though he never traveled far from his monastery, his influence reached throughout Europe and into the future through his writings.
Father of English History
Bede’s most famous work is the “Ecclesiastical History of the English People”, which earned him the title “Father of English History.” This remarkable book preserved the story of the early Church in England, documenting the spread of Christianity, the lives of saints, and the growth of Christian culture in the British Isles.
His writings are characterized by accuracy, humility, and a deep desire to glorify God, blending historical scholarship with spiritual insight.
A Brilliant Teacher of Scripture and Theology
In addition to history, Bede wrote extensively on Sacred Scripture, theology, science, grammar, poetry, and the computation of the calendar. His biblical commentaries were widely respected and used throughout medieval Europe.
Bede’s devotion to the Liturgy of the Hours, daily Mass, and monastic discipline shaped both his holiness and his learning.
A Holy Death in Prayer
Bede remained a humble monk until his death in 735 A.D. He died while praying the Glory Be, completing his final work—a translation of the Gospel of John into Old English—just before his death.
His fellow monks recorded his peaceful passing, surrounded by the prayers of the brethren he loved.
Doctor of the Church and Patron of Scholars
In 1899, Pope Leo XIII declared Bede a Doctor of the Church, the only native of England to receive that title. He is the patron saint of scholars, historians, teachers, and students, a model of how study and prayer together lead to holiness.
A Witness to the Harmony of Faith and Learning
St. Bede the Venerable’s life reminds the faithful that intellectual pursuit is a form of worship when done for the glory of God. His example continues to inspire students, educators, and all who seek to grow in both knowledge and faith.
St. Bede the Venerable, pray for us!