Chad (Ceadda), St.

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CHAD (CEADDA), ST.

Northumbrian monk, bishop of Lichfield; d. 672. Chad was a disciple of St. aidan and one of four brothers who were priests. Although a native of Northumbria, he later studied in Ireland. When his brother cedd died in 664, he succeeded him as abbot of Lastingham, York-shire. While Bp. wilfrid of york was in Gaul, King Oswiu of Northumbria had Chad uncanonically consecrated bishop and placed him over all or part of Wilfrid's Diocese of York. When Abp. theodore of canterbury made his first visitation in 669, he reconsecrated Chad and restored Wilfrid to York. Chad was soon made bishop of Mercia with his see at Lichfield, but he died three years afterward of the plague. Bede, the main authority for his life, vividly describes his last days. Many miracles reportedly took place at his tomb. His relics are said to be in St. Chad Cathedral, Birmingham.

Feast: March 2.

Bibliography: bede, Ecclesiastica historica 3.23, 28; 4.3.

[b. colgrave]