Saint Swithun Biography
Saint Swithun Biography, Feast Day, Date of Birth, Country of Birth, Profession, Place of Work, Date of Death, Place of Death, Beatification Date, Canonization Date |
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| Date of Birth | 800 AD |
|---|---|
| Country of Birth | United Kingdom of Europe |
| Matrimony/Holy Orders | Saints who were Married |
| Profession | Bishop |
| Place of Work | Winchester, England. |
| Date of Death | July 2 863 AD |
| Place of Death | Winchester, Hampshire, England. |
| Feast Day | July 2 |
| Beatification | Beatified by N/A |
| Canonization | Canonized by Pre-Congregation |
| Patron Saint of | Winchester, England against drought Southwark, England |
Biography
Saint Swithun was raised in an abbey and was chaplain to Egbert King of the West Saxons. He became the patron saint for the weather because once monk tried to move his body from an outdoor grave to a golden shrine in 871. But Swithun did not like it as it rained for 40 days.
From his consecration on October 30, 852 till his death on July 2, 863, St. Swithun was the Bishop of Winchester. However, mention of him in documents from his time is scarce. His death is recorded in the Canterbury manuscript of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Recorded as being in the year 861. He is written to have witnessed nine charters, the earliest of which was in 854.
After more than a hundred years later. while Dunstan and Æthelwold of Winchester were starting their church reform. St. Swithun was selected as patron of the restored church at Winchester. Previously dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. His body was moved from original grave to Æthelwold’s new basilica on July 15, 971. Legend has it, many miracles happened before and after the move.
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