Saints celebrated on the 15th of July
SAINT SWITHUN [SWITHIN], BISHOP
Saint Swithunus, Bishop and Confessor, whose name is also written Swithinus and Suithunus, is one of the most brilliant figures of the English Church in the 9th century.
THE TUTOR OF ETHELWULF
There is a lack of information about his birth and his parents, but it seems that he was born in Winchester. As a youth he entered the so-called "Old monastery" and received a deep and comprehensive education which enabled him to become the tutor of the royal prince Ethelwulf. At the same time he was characterized by an unassuming, modest demeanor and childlike piety.
HE WAS ORDAINED A PRIEST
He was ordained a priest by the bishop Helmstanus (Helmsten) of Winchester. When Ethelwulf ascended the throne in 836, he availed himself of the experienced and wise man as a reliable counsel, especially in matters of conscience, and in 852 made him Bishop of Winchester.
WISDOM AND GENTLENESS
In this role, St Swithun displayed wisdom and gentleness, giving the clergy and the people an example of outstanding piety and the most conscientious fulfillment of duty. His mortification and humility, his zeal for prayer and his love for the poor were particularly praised.
IMPROVEMENT INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY
He endeavoured to improve the status of the diocese both internally and externally. He built new churches, restored those that had fallen into disrepair, travelled around the diocese, watched over the moral purity of the clergy with fearful precision, and at the same time looked after their needs like a father. It is said that he made many of his official trips on foot, and that he often chose the night time so as not to be conspicuous to anyone.
FOR HUMILITY'S SAKE, HE WANTED TO BE BURIED AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE CHURCH
Before his passing, on July 2, 862 or 863, he asked to be buried at the entrance to the church, so that those entering could still trample him, the unworthy, after death. But already in 964 the first elevation of his relics took place, followed by a second one in 1093.
His festival can be found in the oldest calendars. His stained glass image at Winchester Cathedral shows him with Pedum and book.
Source: Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Swithun 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.
ST SWITHUN'S WEATHER PREDICTION
Apparently, it rained cats and dogs when St Swithun's relics were translated into the church. It is commonly thought that the weather following St Swithun's day can be predicted by rainfall on his feast day.
St Swithin’s Day if thou dost rain,
For 40 days it will remain,
St Swithin’s Day if thou be fair,
For 40 days will rain na mair.
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