(c.605-642) Oswald’s father, the pagan English king Aethelfrith the Ravager, was killed in battle when Oswald was 11. Oswald fled to Scotland with his mother converted to Christianity. He returned to Northumbria with his own army around 29 and reclaimed the throne. Oswald did a lot in a short time while king of Northumbria to disseminate and strengthen the Christian faith. He was martyred in battle against pagan forces.

Several legends sprang up regarding the saint king. He was known for his depth of personal spirituality and active charity for others. Prayer and work, inner and outer. May our recovery transform both in us.

“Lord God almighty, who so kindled the faith of King Oswald with your Spirit that he set up the sign of the cross in his kingdom and turned his people to the light of Christ: grant that we, being fired by the same Spirit, may always bear our cross before the world and be found faithful servants of the gospel; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever” (Collect prayer from the memorial Mass of Saint Oswald).

Reflection by Brad Farmer