Oswald of Northumbria

Oswald was born around 604, likely in Bernicia in northern Britain, the son of King Æthelfrith and Acha of Deira. When his father fell in battle about 616, Oswald fled into exile among the Christian communities of Dál Riata, where he embraced the faith that would later shape his kingship. After Northumbria was shattered by war, Oswald returned and, before the Battle of Heavenfield near Hexham in 634, raised a wooden cross and prayed with his soldiers. Victorious over Cadwallon of Gwynedd, he reunited Bernicia and Deira and became the leading ruler in Britain for eight years. Oswald is venerated as a saint for his zeal to bring Christ to his people. He invited missionaries from Dál Riata, welcomed Saint Aidan, and gave him Lindisfarne as a base from which the Gospel spread throughout Northumbria. Oswald died fighting Penda of Mercia at Maserfield in 641 or 642, remembered as a courageous Christian king. He is honored as patron of Cartigliano, Cerro Veronese, the Kingdom of Northumbria, and Sauris. His feast day is August 5.