Hilda

(c. 614-Nov. 17, 680). Abbess and saint. She was baptized at Easter 627 by Paulinus, Bishop of York. When she was thirty-three she entered the monastic life, and Bishop Aidan placed her in a small monastery in East Anglia. After about a year she became the abbess at Hartlepool. In 657 Hilda founded a monastery at Streanaeshalch, later called Whitby, where she presided over a community of men and women. At the Synod of Whitby she sided with the Celtic Colman against Wilfrid who supported the Roman customs. But she loyally accepted the decision made at Whitby to follow Rome. She was known for her prudence and good sense. Under her rule at Whitby several of the monks were ordained, and some became bishops. Her life is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on Nov. 18.