Priest and Doctor of the Church · Remembered on May 25
St. Bede the Venerable
St. Bede the Venerable is remembered on May 25 in Bless’s calendar of saints. Below: a short life and 1 sourced quotation in their own words.
| Remembered on | May 25 |
|---|---|
| Title | Priest and Doctor of the Church |
| Died | c. 735 |
| In their own words | 1 sourced quotation · 1 attributed saying (source unconfirmed) |
| Next on Bless’s Today screen | None left in the published calendar (through December 31, 2028) |
Life
A monk of Jarrow from the age of seven, who summed up his own life simply: the study of the Scriptures, the discipline of the monastery, the daily singing in church, and the delight of learning, teaching, and writing.
His Ecclesiastical History of the English People earned him the title ‘father of English history.’ He died dictating a translation of John’s Gospel, finishing the last sentence with his last breath.
In their own words
Each quotation names the work it comes from. Bless quotes these in the comments beside the verses listed under In Scripture.
I have spent my whole life in this monastery, applying myself entirely to the study of the Scriptures.
Attributed, source unconfirmed
These sayings circulate under the saint’s name, but no source has been confirmed. Bless shows them with that label.
Unfurl the sails, and let God steer us where He will.
In Scripture
In Bless, St. Bede the Venerable’s words appear in the comments beside these verses. This page’s labels say how each is linked: “on this verse” means the saint wrote about that very verse; “on this theme” means the quotation shares its theme. Scripture is quoted from the Catholic Public Domain Version.
On this theme
But his will is with the law of the Lord, and he will meditate on his law, day and night.
Psalm 1:2 · CPDV Beside their words: “I have spent my whole life in this monastery, applying myself entirely to the study of…”
On this theme · source unconfirmed
Those who descend to the sea in ships, making their livelihood in the great waters: these have seen the works of the Lord and his wonders in the deep. He spoke: and a windstorm stood up, and its waves were exalted. They ascend even to the heavens, and they descend even to the abyss. Their soul will waste away in distress. …
Psalm 106:23–30 · CPDV Beside their words: “Unfurl the sails, and let God steer us where He will.”
On this theme · source unconfirmed
Have confidence in the Lord with all your heart, and do not depend upon your own prudence. In all your ways, consider him, and he himself will direct your steps.
Proverbs 3:5–6 · CPDV Beside their words: “Unfurl the sails, and let God steer us where He will.”
On this theme
Be solicitous in the task of presenting yourself before God as a proven and unashamed worker who has handled the Word of Truth correctly.
2 Timothy 2:15 · CPDV Beside their words: “I have spent my whole life in this monastery, applying myself entirely to the study of…”
In the calendar
The upcoming dates, through December 31, 2028, when Bless’s Today screen shows St. Bede the Venerable. Where the US calendar keeps another celebration that day, it is named instead and no rank is given.
Readings
No dates are left in Bless’s published calendar, which runs through December 31, 2028. St. Bede the Venerable keeps May 25 in Bless’s calendar of saints: see the saints of May.
All the saints of May Born on May 25? A saint for every day
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