Born in England c. 925; died at Worcester, England, February 29, 992.
St. Oswald was born of a Danish family that settled in England. He was
the nephew of
St. Odo (f.d. July 4),
bishop of Canterbury, and Oskitell,
first bishop of Dorchester and later York. He was educated by Odo, was
appointed dean of Winchester, and soon after sent by Odo to the abbey of
Fleury in France to learn monastic discipline.
In 962, Oswald succeeded
St. Dunstan (Duncan; f.d. May 19)
as bishop of
Worcester, and he was closely associated with Dunstan and
St. Ethelwold (f.d. August 1)
in the restoration of monasticism in England. His first
foundation was at Westbury-on-Trym near Bristol, but his greatest
establishment was at Ramsey in Huntingdonshire (972), from which were
founded Pershore, Evesham, and other houses.
St. Oswald shone as a bright star as bishop. He was energetic in
improving the standard of the parochial clergy, fostering education, and
enforcing clerical celibacy, and in 972 he was promoted to archbishop of
York, where as a young man he had worked under his uncle Archbishop
Oskitell (Oskytel). But he was obliged to retain the see of Worcester
as well, presiding over both dioceses; it is with Worcester that he was
always concerned.
St. Oswald was almost always occupied in visiting his diocese, preaching
without intermission, and reforming abuses. He encouraged learning and
learned men. When not engaged in pastoral duties, Oswald could be found
joining the monks of St. Mary's monastery in their exercises.
To nourish his own humility and charity, Oswald always invited 12 of the
poor to dine with him each day during Lent (some say every day). These
he served himself, and also washed and kissed their feet. He died at
St. Mary's just after fulfilling this Lenten observance and after
receiving the viaticum, while repeatedly praying the Glory Be.
A "Life" of Oswald was written very soon after his death; it speaks of
his gentleness and kindness, the love that the people had for him, and
his gaiety when he came to die. His body was translated by his
successor Adulph ten years later and enshrined. Still later his relics
were transferred to York
(
Attwater,
Benedictines,
Encyclopaedia,
Gill,
Husenbeth).
In art, St. Oswald is a bishop driving off the devil with a stone. At
times he may be portrayed washing the feet of the poor
(
Roeder).
Troparion of the saint
Tone IV
O glorious Oswald, thou rule of faith and model of meekness,
splendour of Worcester and luminary of York, like a tree in the
midst of paradise didst thou bear the fruit of the virtues for thy Lord,
and therewith thou enlightenest all who cherish thine honoured
memory and ever cry out to thee in prayer: Intercede, O holy bishop,
that our souls may be saved.
Service to our Holy Father Oswald of Worcester,
Archbishop of York
http://www.orthodoxengland.org.uk/servoswd.htm