With no new books to read and libraries closed until further notice, Bill and I have turned to our own bookshelves in this latest lockdown. One book we chose was Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People. Bede writes in detail about the earliest inhabitants of Britain and Ireland, including the Romans and it is all most interesting. He was born in 673CE, spending his early life in Jarrow as a monk, but he writes about all the discoveries made centuries ago in science, maths, astronomy, eclipses, and plagues (pandemics?) as well as significant people of the time. One woman Bede writes about is Hilda of Whitby. As it is her saint's day this week (17th Nov), I will share with you something of her life.

Hilda was related to the royal families of both East Anglia and Northumbria and became a Christian at a young age, baptised by Paulinus. The first 33 years of her life were secular, but in 657CE she founded the double abbey at Whitby, organising community life there for men and women alike. The abbey became famous for its teaching, and Hilda well-known for her kind advice and wisdom. Bede states that she was an excellent example of how an able woman could attain influence and authority without ever being ordained!

Ten years before Bede was born, Hilda hosted the Synod of Whitby, the great gathering of clergy from the Celtic traditions of Christianity and those of Rome. They could not agree on the date of Easter and the way monks should shave their heads (tonsure) among other things, but after 6 years of chronic illness, Hilda died in 680CE. There is much to learn of her life but I admire her as a leading light in bringing Christianity to Anglo-Saxon England. What 21st century writers sometimes refer to as the “Dark Ages” are in fact authentic years when great manuscripts like the Lindisfarne Gospels were produced.

All this reminds me that over the centuries there have been plagues similar to this current pandemic. However, we in this century have the benefit of modern technology and scientific research, so let us give thanks that the trials for a vaccine would appear to be successful. The season of Advent bringing us light and hope is indeed very near.

Advent Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace that darkness will not worry us;- show us how to live always in your light. Hear our prayers, Lord, and lighten the darkness of our minds; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

God Bless, keep safe. See you next week.

Rita