Saint of the day for December 30: the story of Sant'Egwin

Saint of the day for December 30nd
(a.c. 720)

The story of Sant'Egwin

You say you don't know the saint of today? Chances are you are not, unless you are particularly knowledgeable about the Benedictine bishops who founded monasteries in medieval England.

Born in the seventh century of royal blood, Egwin entered a monastery and was enthusiastically welcomed by royalty, clergy and people as bishop of Worcester, England. As a bishop he was known as the protector of orphans, widower and just judge. Who would fault this?

However, his popularity did not hold up among the clergy. They considered him overly strict, while he felt he was simply trying to correct the abuses and enforce the appropriate disciplines. Harsh resentments arose, and Egwin went to Rome to present his case to Pope Constantine. The case against Egwin was examined and overturned.

Upon his return to England, Egwin founded Evesham Abbey, which became one of the great Benedictine houses of medieval England. It was dedicated to Mary, who reportedly let Egwin know exactly where a church was to be built in his honor.

Egwin died in the abbey on December 30, 717. After his burial many miracles were attributed to him: the blind could see, the deaf could hear, the sick were healed.

Reflection

Correcting abuse and guilt is never an easy job, not even for a bishop. Egwin attempted to correct and strengthen the clergy in his diocese and earned him the wrath of his priests. When we are called to correct someone or some group, plan the opposition, but also know that it might be the right thing to do.