Aidan was a 7th century Celtic saint from Ireland, Scotland, and later Northumbria. He was trained as a monk and disciple of Jesus under saint Columba at the island monastery of Iona in Scotland.  

After Northumbria fell to the pagan kings Penda and Cadwalla in the early seventh century Christianity began to be systematically stamped out in the region. However, in 633 AD the previously defeated king’s nephew, Oswald, retook the land. As his army faced off against theirs at Hadrian’s Wall at Heavenfield, Oswald lifted high a large, wood cross and under its shadow his army prayed for God’s help. Oswald had a vision of victory, and the next day they saw it come to pass.

​Immediately Oswald sought to restore the light of Christ to the land by sending for a missionary from Iona. The first mission of Corman failed, and returned to Iona complaining about those “obstinate, barbarous people.” Upon hearing this, one man’s heart was stirred and moved with compassion for Northumbria. Aidan left Iona and planted his monastery on Holy Island (Lindisfarne), and used it as a center of prayer from which to strike out on foot to preach Christ’s love to all the people of the land.

The above picture is a sculpture of Aidan carrying the torch of the Gospel. Similar to saint Aidan’s original church, St Aidan’s Episcopal Church is situated on an island. And like Saint Aidan we are called to carry the light of the Gospel to the people God has given us to serve. May the Lord who has given us the will to do this ministry give us the grace and power to perform it.