Aidan 			August 31
Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary
Aidan was a monk of Iona who became the first bishop and abbot of Lindisfarne, which from the eleventh century was also called Holy Island.
Aidan was Irish by birth, though we know nothing of his early life. He went from Iona to Northumbria at the request of King Oswald in 634. Oswald (see 5 August) had become a Christian while in exile on Iona. Upon regaining his throne he sent to ask if one of the monks of Iona would come and help with the conversion of his kingdom. The first monk sent was too severe and was ignored. He soon retreated back to Iona. It was then that Aidan was ordained bishop and sent - a gentle, ascetic, humble man, whose unassuming holiness readily won the respect of others. He brought some fellow Celts with him and established a monastery on the island of Lindisfarne. This island, lying close to the royal palace of Bamburgh, was a gift from Oswald. 
The monastery consisted of a group of small beehive shaped huts, made from wood and thatch. From this base, Aidan travelled to the mainland. Oswald would sometimes accompany Aidan, acting as his interpreter. They had a strong personal friendship and formed a marvellous missionary team, achieving great success wherever they went. Soon churches were being built and monasteries founded, including communities for women. Oswald was killed in battle in 642 and was succeeded by Oswin, with whom Aidan also forged a close and valued friendship.
Aidan had a great love of learning and soon established a school. Of the first dozen English boys educated, several became leaders of the church (Chad, Cedd, Wilfrid, Eata). Aidan was full of energy and enthusiasm, constantly on the move, always travelling on foot regardless of the distance. Riding on horseback he realised would separate the monks from any people they might meet. On one occasion Oswin gave Aidan a fine horse, which almost immediately he gave away to a beggar. As abbot and bishop, Aidan continued to live a simple life.
Bede’s Ecclesiastical History is the main source of information about Aidan, and clearly the holiness of this apostle to Northumbria captured Bede’s heart, despite the fact that he followed the Irish calculations of Easter that were disapproved of by Bede. Aidan died at Bamburgh in 651 and was buried on Lindisfarne.
For Liturgical Use
Aidan was a monk from Iona who went to Northumbria in 635 in response to the invitation of King Oswald. Aidan became bishop of Lindisfarne, a small island where he established a monastery. From there, accompanied by Oswald, he launched his mission in Northumbria. His gentleness and Celtic asceticism, as well as his deep concern for the poor, drew people to Christ. By his own example, he taught the value of prayer, the need to meditate on the Scriptures, and the importance of education. He died in 651.
Sentence
The heavens proclaim your righteousness, O God, and all the peoples see your glory.	
				Psalm 97:6
Collects
Gracious God,
we thank you for the gifts of gentleness, 
simplicity and strength, 
by which your servant Aidan
won many to your gospel;
increase your gifts in us,
that we may be true to our calling
to proclaim the good news 
and to fulfil the commission 
of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Caring and surprising God,
you sent Aidan the gentle Irishman
to help convert the English;
your ways are not our ways,
and for that we give you thanks.
Psalms	47	96
Readings
Isaiah 45:22-25		God alone gives strength
Romans 1:1-6		Called to be an apostle
John 13:16-20		Receive those sent by Christ
Post Communion Sentence
You have made known your victory, O God; you have displayed your saving power to all the nations.		Psalm 98:2