by Father Geoff Lloyd
October 10, 2024
Paulinus, First Bishop of York
I first came across Paulinus when I was ordained at Rochester Cathedral in Kent in the UK. I discovered his name among the list of Bishops in the Cathedral with his mask and name etched in brass. I found it comforting to know that I was as much a part of the Cathedral history across the centuries with people like Paulinus.
He was born in Italy in the latter part of the sixth century and was among the second group of monks sent by Pope Gregory to assist Augustine in his work. He went with the party that accompanied Ethelburga to Northumbria, in the very far north of England, where she was to marry the king, Edwin, who subsequently took his wife’s Christian faith as his own.
Paulinus built the first church in York in about the year 627 and was its first bishop. He travelled all over the north of England, building churches and baptizing new Christians. He had to flee for his life, however, when Edwin was killed in battle by the pagan king, Penda of Mercia, and made his retreat to Rochester where he was made Bishop.
He died on this day in Rochester in the year 644.
Prayer
God our Saviour, who sent Paulinus to preach and to baptize, and so build up your Church: grant that, inspired by his example, we may tell the world of your truth, that with him we may receive the reward you prepare for all your faithful servants; through Jesus Christ your Son Our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
