Codice prodotto: L10339
Memorial Day: February 29 (in leap years, otherwise February 28)
When did Saint Oswald live: 10th century AD (c. 925 - 992)
BIOGRAPHY:
Saint Oswald of Worcester was descended from an influential Anglo-Saxon noble family and was the nephew of Archbishop Odo of Canterbury. After his education at the significant reform monastery of Fleury in France, he returned to England, where he was elevated to Bishop of Worcester in 961 and later additionally to Archbishop of York. He achieved sainthood as one of the three great reformers of English monasticism, founding numerous monasteries and renewing Benedictine discipline. His life was characterized by deep humility and an extraordinary concern for the needy. Saint Oswald died on February 29, 992, in Worcester, immediately after washing the feet of the poor-a daily ritual habit he followed during Lent.
PATRONAGE:
St. Oswald is the patron saint of the city and diocese of Worcester as well as of cattle herders.
SYMBOLISM, DEPICTION:
The symbols of St. Oswald are the mitre and the crosier, which identify him as a high dignitary of the Church. The book in his hand represents his scholarship and the promotion of monastic education. The chained devil sitting upon it symbolizes Oswald's victory over temptation and evil; the iconography refers to a legend according to which Oswald, through his prayer, tamed a demon and forced it to remain on his book until he had finished his prayer.
PATRON SAINT OF:
Oswald, Osvaldo, Osvald, Oswaldus, Osvaldas, Oswaldo, Ozzie, Ossie, Ozzy, Waldo, Waldel, Oswaldina, Oswalda, Osvalda, Osvarda, Uz, Osi, Ossi, Oswin, Osmar.