Hilda de Whitby

614-680 7th century Feast day: November 17

Governing by wisdom and peace, drawing out the gifts of each.

Who was Hilda de Whitby?

A Northumbrian princess baptised at thirteen, she became abbess of Whitby, leading a double monastery of men and women. Wise and respected, she formed bishops and welcomed the shepherd-poet Caedmon. It was at her house that the great synod of 664, which unified the date of Easter in England, was held.

In their own words

Keep among yourselves, and towards all, the peace of the Gospel.

After Bede, Ecclesiastical History, IV, 23