This week in Christian history: Francis Asbury leaves for America, St. Aidan dies, ‘September Massacres’

Saint Aidan dies – Aug. 31, 651

This week marks the anniversary of the death of Saint Aidan, the bishop of Lindisfarne, who is known for evangelizing northern England. He later died in Bamburgh, Northumberland.

Born in Ireland, Aidan, a monk, was invited to help evangelize the inhabitants of northern England, planting churches and monasteries, as well as establishing himself in Lindisfarne.

“Under his direction and that of his successors, Lindisfarne flourished as a leading ecclesiastical center until the Danish invasions began in 793,” noted Britannica.

“He founded churches, monasteries, and, on Lindisfarne, a school for the training of ministers, among whom were Chad (first bishop of Lichfield), his brother Cedd (who converted the East Saxons), and Eata, abbot of Melrose. The Anglo-Saxon historian and theologian Bede praised Aidan for his learning, charity, and simplicity of life.”