Aidan, Bede, Cuthbert: Three Inspirational Saints

by David Adam

This rousing volume explores the lives and interweaving stories of Aidan, Bede and Cuthbert. After an introduction which tells appropriately of David Adam's ordination in Durham Cathedral, there are four chapters on each:

Irish by birth, St Aidan was a monk on Iona before being selected in 635 as the first Bishop of Lindisfarne. In time he became pastor to all of Northumbria.
THEMES COVERED: 'Aidan and the open door', 'On firm foundations', 'Open hearts and hands' and 'Feet on the ground'.

Born in 673, St Bede was a monk at Jarrow on the Tyne. He is revered for his scholarly output of commentaries on the Scriptures and his famous Ecclesiastical History of the English People. His body lies in the Galilee Chapel of Durham Cathedral.
THEMES COVERED: 'Bede at St Peter's Wearmouth', 'St Paul's, Jarrow', 'The loss of a friend and mentor' and 'Candle of the church'.

When he was sixteen, St Cuthbert, received a vision of the soul of St Aidan being carried to heaven by angels. He was reluctantly persuaded to become Bishop of Lindisfarne in 685, but the next year resigned his see and retired to Farne Island, where he died on 20 March 687. He was later buried in Durham Cathedral.
THEMES COVERED: 'Cuthbert and the angels', 'Reaching out', 'Lindisfarne' and 'The last days'.

Genres: History, Religion, Christian

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 2006

About the author

David Adam (b. 1936) was a British priest and author and one of the best-loved figures in Celtic Spirituality.


Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Thom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will probably be the book I take along with me as I walk along St. Cuthbert's Way this summer. In addition to containing thoughtful stories about each of these three Northumbrian saints, it contains some instructions for meditation. It is written by the former vicar at Lindisfarne. Each of these saints have qualities I hope to develop and nourish.

[Sean Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories are interesting and inspiring on their own, but the spiritual exercises are a complete bonus. David Adam, through these exercises and his other writings, has really helped me to connect with Father, Son and Spirit in a new and fresh way, deepening my relationship with God.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really informative and deeply reflective

[Andrew Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. I knew almost nothing about these saints but habe been given a good introduction to their lives and works in this book.

[Mrs J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inciteful and inspiring