The Sixth Day of Christmas:Feast of Saint Egwin of Worcester
As we journey through Christmastide, December 30th brings us to the sixth day. It is a time to celebrate the Feast of Saint Egwin of Worcester. This day offers an opportunity for reflection on morality. We can consider righteousness and the sanctity of life as demonstrated through Saint Egwin’s life and works.
Who Was Saint Egwin of Worcester?
Saint Egwin was born of noble lineage in Worcester. He was a descendant of Mercian kings. He lived during the late 7th and early 8th centuries. He became a Benedictine monk and later the third Bishop of Worcester. Renowned as a protector of widows and orphans, he was also a fair judge. He fiercely advocated for Christian morality. He particularly emphasized the sanctity of marriage and clerical celibacy.
Egwin’s journey as a bishop was not without challenges. His strict adherence to Christian principles often met with resistance from the local population. This discord led him to embark on a pilgrimage to Rome, seeking vindication from the pope. According to legend, before departing, he locked shackles on his feet. He threw the key into the River Avon as a sign of his humility and penance. Remarkably, the key was found in a fish’s mouth caught in the Tiber. This event symbolized divine approval of his mission.
The Founding of Evesham Abbey
Saint Egwin’s legacy includes the establishment of Evesham Abbey, a Benedictine monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Under Egwin’s guidance, Evesham Abbey became one of the great monastic centers of medieval England. It was known for its spiritual influence. The abbey was also renowned for its dedication to the faith.
Miracles and Sanctity
Saint Egwin’s life is steeped in accounts of miracles. One such story tells of a pure stream of water gushing forth from a rock. This occurred during his pilgrimage through the Alps. Another recounts his prayerful humility at the tomb of the Apostles in Rome. There, he experienced a miraculous event. The recovery of the key from the fish’s mouth further validated his divine mission.
Reflections for the Sixth Day
On this sixth day of Christmastide, we can honor Saint Egwin’s memory. A meaningful way to observe this day is by reading the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17). Another way is meditating on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–10). These passages remind us of the moral and spiritual foundations that Saint Egwin upheld so fervently.
Closing Thoughts
Saint Egwin of Worcester’s feast day invites us to consider the virtues of compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to faith. As we celebrate his legacy, let us be inspired by his example. We should strive to embody these virtues in our own lives. May this sixth day of Christmas be a time of reflection. It should also bring renewal and joy as we continue the journey through Christmastide.
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