Godric was born in the tenth century at Walpole, in Norfolk. As a young boy he peddled wares throughout the neighboring villages. Later, as he made more money at his trade, he was able to frequent fairs in other cities to sell his merchandise. Since he was very diligent and careful with his money, he was occasionally able to make voyages by sea. Often he would carry his wares to Scotland. Once while in Scotland, he went to Lindisfarne Monastery where he became very interested in the lives of the monks there, and he was enthralled by the accounts that they gave him concerning St. Cuthbert. Godric was so impressed with the wonderful life of St. Cuthbert, that one day he fell to his knees and begged God for the grace to be able to be like this saint. Soon afterward, he went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and on his way back, stopped at Compostella.
On returning to Norfolk, he worked briefly as a steward for a wealthy man, but left this position to travel again, making a pilgrimage to St. Giles in France and to Rome. For a while, Godric spent time in the wilderness, living the monastic life with another devout soul named Godwin. They had met while on pilgrimage. Both being devoted to God and desiring to lead the life of hermits, they retired to the wilderness where they spent their days praying and living austere lives. After a brief illness, Godwin died and so Godric again traveled to Jerusalem. He then retired to the desert of Finchale near the Wear River. There he practiced daily devotions, praying the psalms and other prayers. For sixty-three years he remained in the desert, but spent the last several years prior to his death confined to bed by illness and old age. On May 21, 1170, the Lord took the humble and pious St. Godric to be with Him.
Saint Godric was buried in the chapel that he had built in honor of St. John the Baptist. Many miracles took place that confirmed his sainthood. Later Richard, brother to the bishop of Durham, built a chapel in honor of St. Godric.
Lessons
St. Godric lived a life of profound simplicity and humility, choosing to renounce worldly possessions and live as a hermit near Finchale. His detachment from material wealth and dedication to a life of prayer and solitude teach us the value of humility and detachment from the distractions of the world. Through his example, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth over material pursuits.Despite facing numerous challenges and temptations, including physical hardships and spiritual trials, he remained steadfast in his commitment to God. His unwavering determination to seek God’s will and endure hardships for the sake of his faith serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to not only admire the spiritual values of others, but to seek the same values in our own lives. Forgive us for the time that we waste pursuing worldly pleasure. May we always remember that our goal is heaven and not the things of this world and live our lives seeking Your Kingdom. Amen.
Other Saints We Remember Today
St. Christopher Magallanes, Priest and Companions (1915-1928), Martyrs
St. Andrew Bobola (1657), Priest, Martyr
photo: Illuminated Manuscript, by anonymous, via Wikimedia Commons
