CHAPTER 12: How he comes to be consecrated in Gaul [664]
CHAPTER 12
How he comes to be consecrated in Gaul [664]
ON his election Wilfrid made the following speech.
‘Your royal majesties, it behoves us to take careful thought as to how, with God’s help but without criticism from Catholics, we, your candidate, might be raised to the episcopal dignity. Many English bishops are as much Quartodecimans1 as the Celts themselves. Of course it is not for me to point the finger at them, but I know I am right. The Holy See does not consider the men they ordain as being in communion with her – any more than she does those who consort with schismatics. In all humility, therefore, let me beg you to send me, under your protection, across the sea to Gaul, where there are many bishops of recognized orthodoxy. There, though unworthy, I can be consecrated without the Holy See raising any objection.’
The kings approved and fitted him out with ship, supplies, and a vast sum of money so that he might reach Gaul in great state. Once he had arrived, a convention was formed of at least twelve Catholic bishops, Agilberht among them. Having received his profession of faith, they consecrated him before all the people with great satisfaction and no less pomp. As their traditions demanded, he was borne into the oratory aloft on a golden throne by the bishops alone, to the accompaniment of songs and canticles from the choir.
Shortly afterwards they sent him to the see of York, commanding him in the Lord’s name to keep the faith; just as Paul had commanded his son Timothy to husband well the grace of God which he had received through the laying on of his own hands.