St. Edmund of Abingdon

Edmund Rich came from Abingdon in Berkshire. Butler describes the strong religious influence of his parents, Reynold and Mabilia, and the care with which his mother formed her children in prayer. Edmund’s learning and devotion developed together, and his subsequent work as a teacher and churchman led at last to the archbishopric of Canterbury.

The long life in Butler follows the demands of his pastoral office and the disputes that accompanied it. Its final part describes his departure from England and stay with the Cistercians at Pontigny. Although removed from his diocese, he continued to preach in neighbouring churches and to devote himself to prayer. Failing health later required him to move to Soisy, where a community of canons received him.

During his last illness he asked for the sacraments and kept a crucifix close to him. Butler records the devotion to Christ that marked his final prayers, then describes the return of his body to Pontigny. His shrine gave that monastery a lasting connection with the English Church. This Edmund is the archbishop also called Edmund of Abingdon or of Canterbury, distinct from Edmund the royal martyr commemorated later in November.