Saint Ethelburga of Barking

A life of faith

Ethelburga was the sister of Erkenwald, later bishop of London. When he established a double monastery at Barking in Essex, she became its first abbess. The received account describes her care for the community and preserves a later tradition of her learning monastic practices with Hildelith’s help. Bede’s history remembers her life and the community’s experiences during an outbreak of plague. Hildelith succeeded her. The exact year of Ethelburga’s death is uncertain.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Give careful attention to the people entrusted to your care.

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Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.