Saint Chad of Lichfield

Chad (Ceadda) was one of four Northumbrian brothers who all became priests; his brother Cedd is also a saint. He was trained at Lindisfarne by Saint Aidan and spent time in Ireland before returning to England. Around 664 he was made bishop of York, but Archbishop Theodore of Canterbury later judged that his consecration had been irregular. Chad humbly offered to step down, saying he had never thought himself worthy of the office, and retired to his monastery at Lastingham.

Theodore was so moved by his humility that he completed his ordination and in 669 sent him as bishop to the Mercians, with his see at Lichfield. Chad insisted on traveling on foot to meet people, until Theodore himself lifted him onto a horse and ordered him to ride. He founded monasteries and evangelized tirelessly for less than three years before dying in an epidemic on March 2, 672. Saint Bede tells his story with great admiration.

Lichfield Cathedral keeps the memory of his shrine, and relics believed to be his are venerated at Saint Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham. Several old English wells bear his name, recalling the springs where he is said to have baptized.