Episode 1793: St Wulstan

St. Wulstan: A Beacon of Hope in Turbulent Times

St. Wulstan, also known as Wulfstan, was an English Benedictine monk who served as Bishop of Worcester from 1062 to 1095. He stands as a fascinating figure in Anglo-Saxon history, bridging the gap between the pre-Conquest and Norman eras. He is revered as a saint by both the Catholic Church and the Church of England for his piety, his courageous defense of the poor and downtrodden, and his tireless efforts to reform the Church in a time of great upheaval.

Early Life and Rise to Bishop

Born around 1008 in Long Itchington, Warwickshire, Wulstan was raised in a devout household. He received his education at the monasteries of Evesham and Peterborough, where he embraced the Benedictine way of life. His intelligence and piety led him to rise through the ranks of the Worcester monastery, eventually becoming treasurer and then prior.

In 1062, King Edward the Confessor appointed Wulstan as Bishop of Worcester. However, Wulstan initially hesitated to accept the position, doubting his own worthiness. He finally relented after persuasion from the king and the monks, and was consecrated in York Minster.

Navigating the Norman Conquest

Wulstan's tenure as bishop coincided with a period of immense political and social turmoil. The Norman Conquest of 1066 saw the English monarchy and aristocracy replaced by Norman rulers. While many Anglo-Saxon bishops were deposed, Wulstan, due to his reputation for piety and his close relationship with Harold Godwinson, was allowed to retain his position.

Image of the Norman Conquest

He became the only surviving pre-Conquest bishop and served as a bridge between the two cultures. He navigated the complex political landscape with remarkable skill, earning the respect of both the Norman overlords and the Anglo-Saxon populace.

Champion for the Oppressed

Wulstan was a staunch advocate for the poor and marginalized. He spoke out against injustice, condemned the slave trade, and tirelessly championed the rights of the common people. He is credited with playing a key role in ending the slave trade from the port of Bristol.

Reformer and Builder

Wulstan was also a dedicated reformer within the Church. He criticized abuses of power, promoted monastic discipline, and emphasized the importance of preaching and pastoral care. He also undertook the ambitious task of rebuilding Worcester Cathedral, which had been destroyed by fire in 1084.

Legacy and Canonization

Wulstan died on January 20, 1095, and was buried in Worcester Cathedral. His reputation for holiness and his unwavering commitment to his people led to his canonization in 1203. His feast day is celebrated on January 19th.

Image of Worcester Cathedral

St. Wulstan's legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith. He stands as a reminder of the power of individual conviction in the face of adversity, and his life continues to inspire people of all faiths to work for justice, peace, and the betterment of society.

Beyond the biography:

St. Wulstan's life was woven with accounts of miraculous events, passed down through the centuries and enshrined in his hagiography. Here are a few of the most prominent:

1. The Healing of King Harold's Daughter: Legend tells that King Harold Godwinson's daughter, Edith Swanneck, fell gravely ill. No physician could cure her, and she languished on her deathbed. In desperation, the king summoned Wulstan, known for his piety and spiritual gifts. Wulstan arrived and prayed fervently over Edith, invoking God's healing power. Miraculously, Edith recovered fully, attributed to Wulstan's intercessions.

2. The Talking Cross: According to another tale, while traveling through the countryside, Wulstan encountered a group of pagans worshipping a pagan idol. He attempted to preach Christianity to them, but they scoffed and mocked him. In response, Wulstan prayed before a nearby cross. To everyone's astonishment, the cross came to life and spoke, denouncing the pagans' false gods and affirming the truth of Christianity. This event, known as the "Talking Cross," is said to have converted many of the pagans to Christianity.

Image of a talking cross

3. The Miraculous Beam: During the construction of Worcester Cathedral, one of the heavy beams needed for the roof couldn't be lifted into place. Despite the combined efforts of many men, the beam remained firmly stuck on the ground. Seeing their struggle, Wulstan approached the beam and, with a simple prayer, commanded it to rise. Miraculously, the beam became light as a feather and was effortlessly lifted into place. This event is depicted in several stained glass windows within the cathedral.

Image of Worcester Cathedral stained glass window

4. The Untouched Meal: Another legend tells of Wulstan's humility and selflessness. One day, while traveling, he stopped at a poor widow's house for a meal. The widow only had a single loaf of bread to offer, which she divided into two to share with the bishop. Wulstan, touched by her generosity, refused to eat his portion, insisting that she and her children needed it more. He went on his journey hungry, demonstrating his concern for the well-being of others above his own needs.

5. The Prophecy of the River: According to a local legend, Wulstan once prophesied that the River Severn would flood Worcester. He warned the townspeople to prepare for the flood and seek higher ground. When the river did indeed overflow its banks, many people who heeded his warning were saved from harm. This event cemented his reputation as a holy man with the gift of foresight.