Saints celebrated on the 23rd of June
SAINT ETHELREDA, ABBESS
Saint Etheldreda had but one aim in life, to devote herself to become a religious. Her parents, however, had other views for her, and, in spite of her tears and prayers, she was compelled to become the wife of Tonbercht, a tributary of the Mercian king.
SHE RETIRED TO THE ISLE OF ELY
She lived with him as a virgin for three years, and at his death retired to the isle of Ely, that she might apply herself wholly to heavenly things. This happiness was short-lived. Egfrid, the powerful King of Northumbria, pressed his suit upon her with such eagerness that she was forced into a second marriage.
A LIFE OF AN ASCETIC RATHER THAN OF A QUEEN
Her life at his court was that of an ascetic rather than a queen: she lived with him not as a wife but as a sister, and, observing a scrupulous regularity of discipline, devoted her time to works of mercy and love.
COLDINGHAM ABBEY
After twelve years, she retired with her husband's consent to Coldingham Abbey, which was then under the rule of St Ebba, and received the veil from the hands of St Wilfrid. As soon as Etheldreda had left the court of her husband, he repented of having consented to her departure, and followed her, meaning to bring her back by force.
SHE STAYED THERE FOR SEVEN DAYS
Ethelreda took refuge on a headland on the coast near Coldingham. Here a miracle took place, for the waters forced themselves a passage round the hill, barring the further advance of Egfrid. Ethelreda stayed on this island refuge for seven days, until the king, recognising the divine will, agreed to leave her in peace.
SHE FOUNDED A DOUBLE MONASTERY
God, Who by a miracle confirmed St Ethelreda's vocation, will not fail us if, with a single heart, we elect for Him. In 672 she returned to Ely, and founded there a double monastery. The nunnery she governed herself, and was by her example a living rule of perfection to her sisters. Some time after her death, in 679, her body was found incorrupt, and St Bede records many miracles through her intercession.
REFLECTION:
The soul cannot truly serve God while it is involved in the distractions and pleasures of the world. Etheldreda knew this, and chose rather to be a servant of Christ her Lord than the mistress of an earthly court.
Resolve, in whatever state you are, to live absolutely detached from the world, and to separate yourself as much as possible from it.
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Ethelreda may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
From Fr Butler's Lives of the Saints - 📷 1) St Ethelreda, 2) A window in St Ethelreda's Church, Ely Place, off Charterhouse Street in Holborn, London. This window is in the passage. Because the church is so awe-inspiring, I did not consider it appropriate to take pictures in the actual church. - The building is one of only two surviving in London from the reign of Edward I, and dates from between 1250-1290.
HER ENTRY IN THE ROMAN MARTYROLOGY:
In England, Saint Audrey [Etheldreda, Æthelthryth], queen and virgin, who departed for heaven with a great renown for sanctity and miracles. Her body was found without corruption eleven years afterwards.
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