Giving Thanks for St Chad

 Saturday 2 March is the feast day of Chad, the saint and bishop to whom, along with St Mary, Lichfield Cathedral is dedicated. Born to a noble family around 634, he was educated on Lindisfarne and spent time as Bishop of York and Abbot of Lastingham. When he was appointed Bishop of Mercia, one of the most powerful Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, Chad chose to centre his administration in Lichfield. He founded a church and a community here in 669 which became the religious heart of the kingdom. 

Chad died in 672, much loved and revered. Bishop Hedda, his successor, consecrated the first cathedral in Lichfield on his burial site in 700. The shrine of St Chad grew quickly in importance and became one of the three most important centres of mediaeval pilgrimage in the country. 1,352 years after his death, St Chad’s life is still an inspiration. His faith, humility and integrity are examples we can all live by. Chad’s legacy shaped the region as we know it today. In his lifetime he bridged two warring kingdoms, covered vast distances on foot, and spoke engagingly and authentically of his faith. The example of St Chad is one that points us to Jesus, leads us to examine our own faith and remain humble in the face of God’s love.

The Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave OBE is the 99th Bishop of Lichfield, forming an unbroken succession of bishops since St Chad, and he often joins the Year 5, 6 and 7 pupils and staff as we process from the Shrine of St Chad in the Cathedral to St Chad’s Well in the Parish Church of St Chad on the far side of Stowe Pool, where St Chad baptised converts to the Christian faith. More information about the procession will follow in next week's edition, while tonight's Festal Evensong at 5.30pm will include a commemoration of the Cathedral's co-patron and the benefactors who helped to build and maintain the Cathedral. All are welcome.

Inservi Deo et laetare!