St. Chad
“Tend the flock of God in your midst, overseeing not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it.”
St. Chad served the early English Church with humility, accepted correction without resentment, and tirelessly preached among the people of Mercia.
The story
Chad was born in Anglo-Saxon Northumbria, probably around 620. Most reliable information about him comes from St. Bede the Venerable's Ecclesiastical History of the English People. Chad and his brothers, including St. Cedd, entered the missionary Church shaped by St. Aidan of Lindisfarne. Chad studied in Ireland and later succeeded Cedd as abbot of Lastingham, a monastery in present-day North Yorkshire.
Around 664, King Oswiu chose Chad to serve as bishop of the Northumbrians. A plague had killed many churchmen, and the proper number of canonically ordained bishops could not be found for his consecration. Bishop Wine therefore consecrated Chad with the assistance of two British bishops whose practices did not fully conform to Roman canonical usage. When Archbishop Theodore of Canterbury later examined the matter, he judged the consecration irregular. Chad immediately offered to resign, saying in substance that he had never considered himself worthy of the office. Impressed by his humility, Theodore completed what was canonically lacking and retained him for episcopal service.
In 669, Theodore appointed Chad bishop of the Mercians and Lindsey. Chad established his seat at Lichfield and received land from King Wulfhere for monasteries and churches. Bede describes him as a man devoted to Scripture, prayer, self-discipline, and missionary travel. Chad preferred to make his pastoral journeys on foot in imitation of the apostles. Theodore eventually required him to ride because his territory was so extensive. Chad preached in villages and countryside where the Christian faith was still taking root.
Chad's episcopate at Lichfield lasted only about three years. In 672, disease spread through the region. Bede reports that a monk named Owin heard heavenly singing near Chad's oratory and that Chad calmly prepared his community for his death. Chad died on March 2 and was first buried near the church of St. Mary at Lichfield. His relics were later transferred to the cathedral, and part of them eventually came to St. Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham. He lived before formal papal canonization procedures, and his ancient cult established his recognition as a saint.
What Chad teaches
St. Chad accepted correction without defensiveness and continued serving wherever the Church sent him. Such humility reflects the obedience owed to legitimate ecclesial authority and the unity described in CCC 815. His example encourages patient service even when plans or positions must be surrendered.
Patronage
Lichfield, the Archdiocese of Birmingham, Mercia, Anglican and Catholic clergy.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you called St. Chad to shepherd your people with humility and courage. Through his intercession, free us from pride and make us obedient to your will. Strengthen bishops, priests, and missionaries in faithful service to your flock. Amen.