Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne - our Patronal festival

 

Dear Fathers, Friends in Christ,

 

Our Anglican Catholic Mission here in Launceston was named after Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne, who we honour on this day. I took the opportunity to say Mass here at my home in his memory and to give thanks to God this member of our extended family in heaven and pray also for the future for the Mission here in the Northern Part of Tasmania.

 

I chose His name for the mission , because he was a Missionary of North Humbria and was called the Apostle of North Humbria, which is such a beautiful part of England. I am a Priest by Apostolic Succession and am a Missionary as well.

 

Saint Aidan was known for his knowledge of the Bible, his eloquent preaching, his personal holiness, simple life, scholarship, and charity. Miracle worker. Trained Saint Boswell. Founded the Lindesfarne monastery that became not only a religious standard bearer, but a great storehouse of European literature and learning during the dark ages. Saint Bede is lavish in his praise of the episcopal rule of Aidan.

 

I am looking forward to continue my work as a Missioner. Having Saint Aidan as our Patron Saint has given me a lot of courage not to give up.

O holy Bishop Aidan, Apostle of the North and light of the Celtic Church, glorious in humility, noble in poverty, zealous monk and loving missionary, intercede for us sinners that Christ our God may have mercy on our souls.

 

Thou didst teach and preserve Christ’s doctrine and didst spread the faith throughout Northumbria, O holy Hierarch Aidan. Unceasingly pray to God for us for thou dost worship before His throne for ever.
      
Amen

Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Launceston on Tasmania
Australia