SAINT OSMOND
Also Known as:
Edimund | Edmund | Osimund
Feast:
4 December
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Born:
Seez, Normandy
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Died:
3 or 4 December 1099
Salisbury
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Canonized:
1 January 1457
by Pope Callixtus III
Patronage:
Insanity; mental illness; mentally ill people; paralysed people; paralysis; ruptures; toothache
About Saint Osmond
Son of Henry, count of Seez, Normandy, France. He received a good education, and became count of Seez in his own turn. Companion of William the Conqueror, and part of the force that invaded England in 1066.
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Following the Battle of Hastings, he was made royal chaplain and Earl of Dorset. Helped prepare the Domesday Book, an analysis of the resources of England. Chancellor of England in 1072. Between his duties of chaplain and chancellor, he received a great education in administration and management.
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Bishop of Salisbury, England in 1078. He took his duties seriously, concerned for the good of his diocese, even if many considered it conquered territory. His cathedral administration became a model for cathedrals throughout England. Believed to have initiated the Sarum Rite in England. May have written a biography of Saint Aldhelm of Sherborne, which has not survived, and approved his beatification in 1078. Knew and sought the guidance of Saint Anselm. Enjoyed copying and binding books.
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His areas of patronage derive from the miraculous healings that occurred at his tomb, and which paved the way for his canonisation.
Prayer
O God, our heavenly Father, who raised up your faithful servant Osmund to be a bishop and pastor in your Church and to feed your flock: Give abundantly to all pastors the gifts of your Holy Spirit, that they may minister in your household as true servants of Christ and stewards of your divine mysteries; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
