Читать книгу 366 Celt: A Year and A Day of Celtic Wisdom and Lore - Carl McColman - Страница 80

Cuthbert of Lindisfarne was a visionary from early in his life; according to the English historian Bede, Cuthbert’s gift began with a vision he received the night of Aidan of Lindisfarne’s death. At the request of a Northumbrian king, Aidan had left the monastery at Iona to found a Celtic community at Lindisfarne, the holy isle off the coast of northeast England. At the time of Aidan’s death in August of 651, Cuthbert was a shepherd; while watching over his flock, he saw the angels escorting Aidan to heaven. This inspired him to enter the monastic life as well. In due course, his journey took him to Lindisfarne, where he eventually served as prior before retreating to a nearby island to live a hermit’s life. But like Kevin of Glendalough, he would not be left alone, and so eventually he accepted the call to be consecrated bishop of the holy isle. Also like Kevin, he had a reputation as a friend of animals; his ministry was characterized by gentleness and care for the poor. He died only two years after his consecration as a bishop; today his remains are buried in Durham Cathedral, after having been relocated repeatedly to hide them from the Vikings.