Saint of the Day for February 29

Saint Oswald of Worcester

Saint Oswald was born in the mid 900s to Danish parents in the Danelaw area of England. His grandparents came to England as part of the Great Heathen Army led by Viking war chiefs Ubba and Ivar.

Raised by his uncle Oda, who was also of Viking origin but had become the Archbishop of Canterbury, he was sent to France to become a monk. Upon the death of his uncle, he returned to England where he was installed as Bishop of Worcester and later as archbishop of York.

Widely recognized for his sanctity and love of the poor, he died on February 29th, 992, while washing the feet of the poor, his daily Lenten practice.

His story shows that no matter where you come from or what your family history is, you too can be a saint. Saint Oswald’s family came to England to raid and pillage Christian towns and villages, but their grandsons ended up becoming a saint for his Christlike love of the poor.

Saint Oswald, pray for us.