Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne

Cuthbert was born around 634 in Northumbria, in northern England. As a young shepherd, he saw in a vision angels carrying a soul to heaven, and learned that Saint Aidan had died that night; soon after, he entered the monastery of Melrose. He became known as a tireless preacher who walked and rode to remote villages, and he was later made prior of Lindisfarne, the Holy Island.

Longing for solitude, he lived for years as a hermit on the tiny island of Inner Farne, praying among the seabirds and seals. In 685 he was persuaded to become bishop of Lindisfarne, and he served his people with great kindness for two years before returning to his hermitage, where he died on March 20, 687. Eleven years later his body was found incorrupt. Saint Bede wrote his Life, and the famous Lindisfarne Gospels were made in his honor.

His shrine is in Durham Cathedral, and pilgrims still cross the tidal causeway to Lindisfarne. The eider ducks of the Farne Islands, which he protected, are locally called "Cuddy's ducks" in his memory.