Early life

Saint Cuthbert was born near the Scottish borders and spent his early days as a shepherd. He was born in 634 and died in 687. He had a primarily isolationist lifestyle and lived off the land while becoming quite renowned for his interactions and protection of wildlife. He remains the patron saint of Northumbria and briefly served as the Bishop of Lindisfarne.

Why was he made a Saint?

In those days there was no real formal process of canonisation and Sainthood largely came about through popular acclaim and the belief that the individual was touched by the divine. Saint Cuthbert had a reputation for being disciplined, humble and spiritually dedicated. There are stories of him curing diseases such as blindness and paralysis as well as having a natural rapport with the animals.

Saint Cuthbert in a modern context

The lessons include environmental stewardship, preservation of wildlife, sustainability and the importance of taking time each day for personal reflection which he frequently did during his days of isolation.