Pilgrimage - Saint Cedd of Lastingham

I visited Lastingham a few times when we were at Mirfield. The town itself is sort of nestled into the southern foothills of the North Yorkshire Moors. So it's only a hop, skip, and a jump away from Rievaulx. It's also sort of on the way to Whitby. Since those first visits, I've been fascinated with the figure of Cedd. I love the idea of a lesser known older brother who also played such a significant role in history, but whose contribution is almost completely forgotten.

While I was there, I found myself thinking about the Council of Whitby and the emotions that must have been in play. Whichever side won out, there were people whose spirituality would be changed. So many of the figures that emerged as saints from that time used their gifts to find compromise. They found ways of preserving what was good while also staying together as one family.

Asking for prayers from Saint Cedd

Holy Cedd, pray for us that God may grant us humility in times of conflict so that we might serve as those who build bridges and those who mend broken relationships. Amen.

A Collect for Saint Cedd

Holy God, grant wisdom to all whom you call to the councils of the Church, and especially to our delegates to General Convention, that following the example of your servant Cedd, they may always seek your will and not their own, for the benefit of all your Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.