Wilfrid II

From OrthodoxWiki
Jump to: navigation, search

Wilfrid II (also known as Wilfrith (II) of York, or Wilfrid the Younger), was the last Bishop of York, as the see was converted to an archbishopric during the time of his successor. In the 10th century, two different groups claim to have taken the relics of an earlier Wilfrid from Ripon; most likely one party took those of Wilfrid the Younger. Although considered a saint, the younger Wilfrid's feast does not seem to have had a widespread or popular veneration.

Wilfrid was a monk at Whitby and studied there when Hilda was abbess. He was consecrated abbot of the cathedral community in York during 718, and in 718 was consecrated as coadjutor bishop to John of Beverly.

Wilfrid was described as a very holy man, and interested in education. He embellished York Minster during his time, having silver vessels made for use at the altar and having the altar and the crosses covered with gold and silver leaf.

Wilfrid resigned the bishopric in 732. He reposed on April 29 in either 745 or 746, and was buried at Ripon, but it may have been his body that was later translated to Canterbury in the mistaken belief that it was that of the earlier Wilfrid. Although the younger Wilfrid is considered a saint, he was never the object of strong cult, and only occasional mentions of him in occur in martyrologies.

He is commemorated on April 29.