Cuthbert

(c. 625-Mar. 20, 687). Bishop and hermit. He was born on Farne Island, near Bamborough, Northumberland, England. In 651 Cuthbert went to the monastery at Old Melrose and became a monk, where he received the Celtic tonsure. He was prior of Melrose Abbey from 661 until 664 when he moved to Lindisfarne. Under the influence of Wilfrid he changed his tonsure to the Roman pattern. On Mar. 26, 685, Cuthbert was consecrated Bishop of Lindisfarne. He resigned that position in 686 and became a hermit. One of his major contributions was to help reconcile the Roman and Celtic factions in the Church of England after the Synod of Whitby in 664. He died in Lindisfarne. Cuthbert is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on Mar. 20.