Venerable Bede

My Godson read a book of Saints for Lent this year. Afterwards he told me that his favorite Saint that he read about was St. Bede because "he studied interesting subjects . . ." So today's Saint is for Rai:

St. Bede, also known as Venerable Bede or Bede the Venerable, was an English Benedictine Monk. He was born around the year 673. At the age of seven he was sent to the monastery of Monkwearmouth to be educated. It was fairly common at that time for young boys, particularly those of noble birth, to be fostered out to monasteries for their education. Although it is not clear whether he had intended to become a monk from that early age, he did in fact join the Monastery and was ordained to the priesthood at about the age of 30.

Around that same time, Bede wrote his first works, the De Arte Metrica and De Schematibus et Tropis, which were intended for use in the classroom. He continued to write throughout his lifetime, completing over 60 books - many of which have survived. Although he is usually studied today as a historian, his works covered many subjects including science, theology, grammar, chronology and biblical studies. His best known work is An Ecclesiastical History of the English People. He was also said to be an accomplished singer and reciter of poetry.

Bede died on the Feast of the Ascension, May 26, 735. He became known as "Venerable Bede" by the 9th century because of his holiness, but this was not linked to consideration for Sainthood. "Venerable" was used to denote one to be treated with reverence, respect and admiration. Bede was given the title of Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1899. He is known as the Father of English History. His feast day is celebrated on May 25.