Oswald of Worcester

Oswald of York or Oswald of Worcester (c. 925 in Denmark or England, † February 29 992 in Worcester ) was Bishop of Worcester and in personal union also Archbishop of York ( UK). He is a saint whose life had its center in the British Isles. The church owes him a revival of monastic life in the spirit of the reform of Cluny.

Church History circumstances of the time

Life

From its ancestrally descendant of a Danish noble family of the youth by his uncle Odo, Archbishop of Canterbury, was educated. Oswald took pleasure in church life as a monk. He was a member of the Cathedral Chapter of Winchester. His spiritual knowledge, he immersed in the French monastery of Fleury ( near Orleans ), where he joined the Benedictine Order. The monks were directed at her daily routine strictly following the reforms of Cluny. From France, he returned with this experience 959 back to his homeland.

St. Dunstan made ​​sure that Oswald was 961 Bishop in Worcester. The Office enabled him to campaign for the revival of monasticism in England. He worked constantly working to implement his plan. In Oswald's initiative new monasteries, including the abbeys Worcester, Westbury and Ramsey emerged. Existing had to align their actions to the children to meet him in Fleury monastic practices. He did not - zolibatäre monks from the religious houses sell and was the corrupt, world dilapidated clergy an uncomfortable warning voice. 972 took over Bishop Oswald addition, the Office of the Archbishop of York.

Oswald reformed the administration of church property. In addition to his official duties his concern was for the poor and needy. Even during his lifetime he was therefore highly revered in the population. A myth wants to know that Oswald at the washing of the feet of twelve poor death befell in the year 992. This ritual to needy was a daily custom of him.

Relics of St. Oswald are preserved in the church of St. Mary in Worcester.

Remembrance

On 29 February, the Church of the Holy recalls. In non-leap years, the celebration on February 28 is preferred. Oswald is the patron saint of cattle.

Iconography

The Holy distributes the devil with a stone or with Oswald church model and the devil.