Lives Of The Saints
October 11
St. Agilbert of Paris
Agilbert of Paris carried learning from Ireland into Wessex, helped the Church at Whitby, and later governed Paris with fidelity to the unity of the Church.
Relief from the sarcophagus of Saint Agilbert at Jouarre
Brief life
Agilbert carried the learning he received in Ireland into the young Church of England. A Frankish bishop, he came to Wessex to preach and govern, bringing patient learning to a people whose language was not his own.
He later took part in the Synod of Whitby, where the English Church sought unity in its observance of Easter, and he supported the Roman practice. Agilbert also ordained St. Wilfrid to the priesthood and remained a trusted figure in the Church across the Channel.
His final years were spent as bishop of Paris. Agilbert's life is a quiet witness to the Church's unity: formed in Ireland, serving in England, and ending his days in France, he followed Christ wherever the Church had need of him.
Historical note
Bede records Agilbert's service in Wessex and his connection with the Synod of Whitby. A language barrier contributed to his leaving Wessex before he became bishop of Paris.
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