New Choreography ... Hilda of Whitby

St. Hilda in Hartlepool Door by James Clark

Talk about a new choreography! Talk about walking as though your feet kiss the earth ... and leave a bit of heaven in your steps. Today we remember Hilda of Whitby. Like Lilias Trotter, Hilda is one of my BFFs: Best Friend Forever.

Among Celtic believers both men and women could exercise leadership within the church. At the age of 43, Hilda founded and became the Abbess of a Celtic monastery in Northumbria ... a monastery for both men and women. Her boundless energy and love for the Lord drew others to faith in Him and encouraged them to serve Him. Under her leadership the men and women of Whitby Monastery were required to read and study the Bible and live out their faith in service and good works. They cared for the poor and helpless of Whitby. And, because Hilda recognized and encouraged the gifts of those under her care, the monastery soon became a center for learning and the arts. The poet, Caedmon ... originally a herdsman for the monastery's flocks ... flourished under her leadership and encouragement.

Hilda's wisdom was so well-renowned that princes and kings sought out her advice and counsel. In fact, King Oswiu held the Synod of Whitby at the monastery in order to weigh counsel and advice from many within church leadership regarding the date for Easter. (This needed to be decided upon as his wife followed the eastern date and he the western date. This meant they often observed Lent and celebrated Easter at different times! This did not foster marital harmony.) The Synod's decision to follow the western date (Rome) meant a change for Whitby Monastery. It established Roman monastic practice as the rule, meaning women could no longer lead.

The Venerable Bede writes about Hilda (or Hild, the old English form), "All who knew her called her mother because of her outstanding devotion and grace." Hilda of Whitby shows us the way to walk with steps that kiss the earth. She shows us a new choreography ... that perhaps is an ancient one. Our Celtic brothers and sisters in Christ could show us a new step or two. (No you will not see me River Dancing! A Hava Nagila perhaps...)