CHAPTER 3: He longs to visit the threshold of St Peter, Prince of the Apostles
CHAPTER 3
He longs to visit the threshold of St Peter, Prince of the Apostles
AFTER a year or two the youthful Wilfrid, prompted by the Holy Ghost, conceived a great desire to visit the See of St Peter, Prince of the Apostles, a road hitherto untravelled by our people, believing that he would wash away every trace of sin thereby and receive a great blessing. He told his master, who in his wisdom realized at once that this longing came from God and gladly agreed that his dear son should set out for the fount of all goodness. On Cudda’s advice, Queen Eanfled sent Wilfrid to her cousin Erconberht, king of Kent. She fitted him out handsomely for the journey and sent messages to convey her highest commendations of him to Erconberht. There he was to stay until trustworthy fellow-travellers might be found for him. When the king saw this servant of God occupied, as was his wont, in constant prayer and fasting, vigils and spiritual reading, he began to love him dearly. Wilfrid had previously used St Jerome’s version of the psalms; now he learnt by heart the fifth edition, the one in use in Rome. A whole year passed in tedious waiting, till at last, at the queen’s prompting, the king found him a guide in Biscop Baducing, a nobleman of outstanding intelligence, who was himself hastening to Rome. Like Jacob he journeyed forth with his parents’ blessing, a blessing which was later to stand him in good stead. He was pleasant to all, of keen mind, strong in body, willing to do any good work, with never a sad look to cloud his face. He arrived at Lyons in high spirits and broke the journey there with his companions. Here his austere guide separated from him, just as Barnabas took leave of Paul on account of John whose surname was Mark.