Saint of the day: 3rd
August
Saint Waldef Abbot of Melrose
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| Roe Deer, antlers, from Refectory window |
Of noble birth, St Waldef was born in 1100
and grew up in the Scottish court. He could have become a court cleric, but
chose the monastic life, becoming an Austin canon at Nostell in
Yorkshire. In 1134, he became prior of Kirkham. In 1140 he was a
favourite to become Archbishop of York but King Stephen prevented this
because he felt he would be too sympathetic to Scotland.
St Waldef wanted to bring the Cistercians at Rievaulx and the Austins at
Kirkham together, but the canons objected strongly. In 1149 he became abbot
of Melrose, taking over from someone who had a notorious temper. St Waldef
developed a reputation for great kindness, gentleness and humility.
He went on to found monasteries at Cultram and Kinross. In 1159 he was
asked to be bishop of St Andrews but he refused as he knew death was near.
St Waldef was never formally canonised but a popular cult grew around him
until the Reformation. During his life, many wonders were said to have
taken place including visions at Christmas and Easter and miracles of
multiplying food.
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