Died November 4, c. 934. According to William of Malmesbury, in 931,
Saint Birnstan succeeded
Saint Frithestan (f.d. September 10)
in the see
of Winchester. This disciple of
Saint Grimbald (f.d. July 8)
was noted
for his devotion to the departed for whose repose he nightly repeated
the Psalms. He also frequently said prayers for them in the cemetery
(and once was answered, "Amen!"). Daily he washed the feet of some of
the poor, whom he served at table and performed other works of charity.
His cultus was neglected for some time until
Saint Ethelwold (f.d. August 1)
had a vision of Birnstan which showed that he enjoyed glory in heaven
equal to that of the more popular
Saints Birinus (f.d. December 3)
and
Swithun (f.d. July 15)
of Winchester
(
Benedictines,
Farmer,
Husenbeth).