Catholic Saint of the Day Profile
Catholic Saint of the Day Profile Saint Waltheof of Melrose
Profile
Born to the English nobility, the second son of Simon, Earl of
Huntingdon, and Maud (Matilda), grand-niece of William the Conqueror.
Grandson of Saint Waldef of Northumbria. Even as a child, Waltheof felt
drawn to churches, and later to the religious life. Following his
father's death, he, his mother and his brother moved to Scotland where
Maud married King David I. Part of David's court where he was educated
and became a spiritual student of Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, master of
the royal household. Deciding on a religious life, Waltheof left
Scotland.Augustinian canon at Nostelle Monastery, Yorkshire, England c.1130. Abbot of Kirkham, England in 1134. Chosen archbishop of York, England in 1140, but King Stephen opposed Waltheof's connections with and sympathy toward Scotland, and prevented the appointment.
Cistercian monk at Wardon, Bedforshire, England; he tried to bring along some of his brothers, but failed. Abbot of Melrose Abbey in 1149. Acquainted with Saint Malachy O'More, and helped him in his travels. With his step-father, King David, he helped found monasteries at Cultram and Kinross. Named archbishop of Saint Andrews, Scotland in 1154, but felt inadequate; he convinced Saint Aelred of his desire to avoid the see, and Aelred publicly opposed the appointment.
Noted for his severe, self-imposed austerities, endless kindness to the poor, and a gentle hand with the brothers under his supervision. Received visions of Christ during the feasts of Christmas, Passiontide, and Easter; had visions of heaven and hell. Miracle worker who is reported to have multiplied food, and miraculously healed the sick, especially the blind.
Born
c.1100 in England
Died
• 3 August 1160 of natural causes• buried at the Cistercian chapter house at Melrose Abbey
• body found incorrupt in 1207, but when moved again in 1240, it had decayed
Representation
• Cistercian kneeling by a block of stone at sunrise• restoring sight to a blind man
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