Saint Bede the Venerable
Feast Day: May 25

Saint Bede was a monk, teacher, and writer. He lived in England a long time ago, in the 600s. He spent most of his life in a monastery, where he prayed, studied, and wrote books. People remember him because he helped keep history and learning alive during a difficult time.
Bede is important to the Church because he wrote about history, the Bible, and the lives of saints. His most famous book is The Ecclesiastical History of the English People. This book tells the story of how Christianity spread in England. Many people still read his work today.
People call him “The Venerable Bede.” This title shows respect for his wisdom and holiness. The Church gave him this title many years after he died. It means he lived a good life and was close to God.
Bede became a saint because of his faith and his work. In 1899, the pope named him a Doctor of the Church. This means his writings help people understand the faith better. His feast day is May 25, and many people honor him as a patron of scholars and historians.
A Young Boy Called to Learn and Pray
Bede was born in England around the year 673. He lived near a monastery in Northumbria. This was a time when England was divided into small kingdoms. People were still learning about Christianity, and monks played an important role in teaching the faith.
When Bede was about seven years old, his family sent him to the monastery of Wearmouth. Monasteries were places where men lived, prayed, and studied together. Bede was taught by monks who followed the Rule of Saint Benedict. This rule gave them a simple way to live, focused on prayer, work, and study.
A few years later, Bede moved to another monastery in Jarrow. He spent most of his life there. The monks at Jarrow copied books, studied the Bible, and helped spread Christianity. Bede loved learning, and he became a great scholar.
Bede became a monk and later a priest. He spent his days teaching, writing, and praying. He believed that studying and sharing knowledge was a way to serve God. He wrote about history, Scripture, and the lives of saints.
Benedictine spirituality shaped Bede’s life and work. The Rule of Saint Benedict taught him to balance prayer and study. He believed that learning was a way to grow closer to God. His writings helped many people understand the faith.
Bede never traveled far, but his work reached many people. His books were copied and shared across Europe. He became one of the most important teachers of his time.
A Monk with a Pen
Bede spent most of his life reading, teaching, and writing. He wanted to share knowledge with others. He wrote about history, the Bible, and the lives of saints. He also helped explain difficult ideas in simple ways. His work was very important for the Church and for learning in Europe.
His most famous book is The Ecclesiastical History of the English People. This book tells the story of how Christianity spread in England. It includes stories about kings, monks, and missionaries. Bede carefully gathered information from older writings and from people who remembered past events. Because of his work, we know much about early English history.
Bede also wrote many books about the Bible. He explained the meaning of Scripture so others could understand it better. He believed that studying the Bible was important for growing in faith. His writings helped monks, priests, and ordinary people learn more about God’s teachings.
Besides history and Scripture, Bede wrote hymns and poems. He also wrote about science, timekeeping, and how to calculate the date of Easter. His way of counting years using “Anno Domini” (A.D.) became widely used. His careful study and clear writing made him one of the greatest teachers of his time.
Even though Bede lived in a monastery, his writings spread far and wide. His books were copied by hand and shared across Europe. Many people learned from him, and his work is still read today.
A Teacher for All Time
Bede helped the Church by writing books that taught people about history, Scripture, and learning. His writings helped monks, priests, and students understand their faith better. Many people in his time did not have books or schools. Bede’s work helped keep knowledge alive.
One of Bede’s biggest contributions was his way of counting years. He used “Anno Domini” (A.D.), which means “In the Year of the Lord.” This system counted years from the birth of Jesus. Before this, people used different ways to mark time, which could be confusing. Bede’s method became popular and is still used today.
His history books helped people understand how Christianity spread in England. He wrote about early missionaries, kings, and saints. His careful research made his work reliable. Because of Bede, we know many details about the early Church in England.
Bede’s influence lasted long after he died. His books were copied and read all over Europe. Later historians and teachers used his work to learn and teach others. Many of his ideas shaped how people in the Middle Ages thought about history and faith. Today, he is still remembered as one of the greatest Christian scholars.
A Life of Learning and Faith
Bede was known for his wisdom and humility. He did not seek fame or power. He spent his life studying, teaching, and praying. He was kind to others and shared his knowledge freely. His fellow monks respected him, and people outside the monastery admired his work.
The Church honors Bede as a saint because of his faith and dedication. He used his gifts to serve God and the Church. In 1899, Pope Leo XIII named him a Doctor of the Church. This title is given to saints whose writings help people understand the faith. Bede’s work has guided Christians for many centuries.
Bede’s influence continues today. Scholars still study his books. Historians rely on his writings about early England. Christians admire his devotion to prayer and learning. His example shows that knowledge and faith go together.
Bede’s feast day is May 25. He is the patron saint of scholars, teachers, and historians. People honor him by reading his works, studying history, and growing in faith. His life reminds us that learning is a way to serve God and others.
Daily Mass Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Bede the Venerable, Priest and Doctor of the Church
- First Reading – 1 Corinthians 2:10b-16: We have received the Spirit from God to understand His gifts, explained not in human terms but through the Spirit, which the naturally-minded cannot grasp.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: I seek guidance to live rightly by adhering closely to your laws, finding joy and direction in them.
- Gospel – Matthew 7:21-29: Jesus teaches that true followers of God do His will, likening them to a wise builder on solid rock, unlike those who ignore His words, who face ruin like a house on sand.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
Learning and Faith Go Together
Saint Bede spent his life studying, teaching, and praying. He did not travel or seek attention. He stayed in his monastery, using his gifts to serve God and others. His life shows that faith and learning are not separate. They work together to bring people closer to God.
Bede teaches us that knowledge is a gift. He did not keep his learning to himself. He shared it through his writing and teaching. He wanted others to understand history, Scripture, and the world. His example reminds us to use our own talents to help others.
He was also humble. Even though he was one of the most learned men of his time, he did not boast. He worked hard and remained faithful in small things. His life shows that holiness is not about being famous or powerful. It is about using our gifts with love and humility.
Bede’s writings lasted long after he died. His work shaped history, but he never saw its full impact. He trusted that his efforts would help others in ways he could not see. His life reminds us to stay faithful in our work, even when results take time.
Reflection Questions:
- How can I use my talents to serve God and others?
- Do I see learning as a way to grow in faith?
- How can I practice humility in my daily life?
Contagious Enthusiasm
Fr. Steve Grunow explains that some critics say the Church has held back progress, but history shows a different story. After Rome fell, Benedictine monks helped rebuild culture and preserve knowledge. They spread the Gospel, advanced learning, and improved society. Saint Bede, a Benedictine monk born in 673, played a key role in this mission. He was known for his holiness, kindness, and brilliant writings on Scripture, history, and theology. His work still helps scholars today.
His life teaches the importance of knowing and living the faith fully. If Catholics do not study and practice their faith seriously, the Church will weaken. The Benedictine way shows that faith is not just feelings or empty actions—it must be lived with purpose. Bede’s legacy reminds us that the Church has shaped culture in positive ways. His example encourages us to deepen our faith and share it with the world.
Resources
St. Bede The Venerable Keychain, Necklace or Clip, Patron Saint, Catholic Confirmation Gift
This St. Bede keychain, necklace, or clip features an antique bronze finish and includes several religious charms. It comes with an image pendant of the saint, a Holy Spirit medal, an Alpha Omega cross, a small Miraculous Medal, a Jesus medal, a St. Benedict medal, and a shield with a cross.
The necklace has a sturdy ball chain in different lengths, and the keychain or clip option is also available. Additional saint medals, crosses, and initial charms can be added. Made from durable, lead-free materials, this piece is a meaningful gift for Catholics, especially for Confirmation or personal devotion.
Ecclesiastical History of the English People
This edition of Ecclesiastical History of the English People is a well-regarded translation of Saint Bede’s most famous work. It provides a detailed history of early England, focusing on the spread of Christianity. The book is valuable because Bede carefully recorded events using reliable sources. His work remains one of the best accounts of early Anglo-Saxon England.
The Penguin Classics edition includes useful extras, like Bede’s Letter to Egbert and The Death of Bede, which give more insight into his time. The translation by Leo Sherley-Price makes the text easier to read while keeping its original meaning. This book is still important for anyone interested in history, religion, or how England became a Christian nation.
Social Media Graphics

Questions and Answers
Who was Saint Bede?
He was a monk, teacher, and writer from England. He lived in the 600s and wrote many books about history, the Bible, and learning.
Why is he called “The Venerable Bede”?
The Church gave him the title “Venerable” as a sign of respect. It means he was wise and holy.
What is Saint Bede’s most famous book?
His most famous book is The Ecclesiastical History of the English People. It tells the story of how Christianity spread in England.
What did Saint Bede do for history?
He carefully recorded events and used reliable sources. His writings help us understand early English history and the growth of the Church.
How did Saint Bede change the way people count years?
He popularized the use of “Anno Domini” (A.D.) to count years from the birth of Jesus. This system is still used today.
Was Bede a saint during his lifetime?
No, he was declared a saint many years after he died. The Church recognized his holiness and wisdom.
Why is Saint Bede a Doctor of the Church?
Pope Leo XIII gave him this title because his writings help people understand the faith.
What is Bede the patron saint of?
He is the patron saint of scholars, teachers, and historians.
When is Saint Bede’s feast day?
His feast day is May 25.
What can we learn from Saint Bede?
Bede teaches us to love learning, stay humble, and use our talents to help others.
What are the Mass readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Bede?
First Reading – 1 Corinthians 2:10b-16: Understanding Through the Spirit
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: Guidance Through Your Laws
Gospel – Matthew 7:21-29: True Followers and Their Foundation
A Life of Faith and Learning
Saint Bede spent his life studying, teaching, and writing. He loved learning and used his knowledge to serve God and others. He did not travel far or seek fame, but his work reached people across the world.
His writings helped preserve history and explain the Bible. He introduced a better way to count years, and his books helped many people understand their faith. The Church honors him as a saint and a Doctor of the Church because of his wisdom and dedication.
His life is an example of faith, hard work, and humility. He teaches us that small, daily efforts can have a big impact. His love for learning and truth continues to inspire people today.
Your Turn
Saint Bede’s life shows the power of faith and knowledge. His writings shaped history, and his example still speaks to us today. There is always more to learn about his work and wisdom.
Take a moment to explore his writings or reflect on his example. Have you learned something new about Saint Bede? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Leave a Reply