The Saints: St. Wilfrid

634 - 709 / Feast - Oct. 12

This Englishman spent time in France and Rome. On returning to England, he was put in charge of the Ripon monastery, then was appointed bishop of York. In two local controversies involving York, Wilfrid appealed to Roman Church courts. He was successful in the first case, but was imprisoned upon returning. In the second case, a compromise was reached. At the time of his death, he was presiding over the see of Hexham from Ripon. Wilfrid helped steer English Church discipline away from paganism toward Rome.