Chad was an Anglo-Saxon monk and bishop whose humility made him one of the most beloved saints of early English Christianity. Brother of Cedd, trained at Lindisfarne under Aidan's tradition, Chad briefly served as Bishop of York before Archbishop Theodore challenged his irregular consecration. Chad's response — 'If you know I have not duly received the episcopal ordination, I willingly resign the office' — so moved Theodore that the archbishop regularized his position and appointed him Bishop of the Mercians at Lichfield, where he served with extraordinary simplicity until his death in 672.

According to Bede, Chad's death was accompanied by angelic music. His disciple Owine heard the sound of joyful singing descending from heaven to the bishop's oratory and then returning upward. When Owine investigated, Chad told him an angel had visited, summoning him to depart this life in seven days — a prediction fulfilled exactly (HE IV.3).

Bede also records that healing miracles occurred at Chad's tomb at Lichfield. Dust from the site of his burial was mixed with water and given to sick people and animals, producing cures. The well at Lichfield associated with Chad's name became a pilgrimage site. Theodore's gesture of lifting Chad onto a horse became a beloved image of the saint's humility meeting the archbishop's practical affection.

Chad was born in Northumbria and, like his three brothers — Cedd, Cynibil, and Caelin — entered the religious life. He was educated at Lindisfarne under Aidan and later studied in Ireland, absorbing the Celtic monastic tradition of austerity and pastoral care.

When his brother Cedd died during the plague of 664, Chad succeeded him as abbot of Lastingham. Shortly afterward, King Oswiu of Northumbria appointed him Bishop of York during Wilfrid's prolonged absence on the Continent. Chad was consecrated by Wine of Winchester and two British bishops — a procedure the Roman party later deemed irregular.

When Archbishop Theodore arrived in England in 669 to reorganize the English church, he challenged Chad's consecration. Bede records Chad's response as a model of Christian humility: he made no defense, offered no argument, and simply said he would willingly resign, since he had never considered himself worthy of the office. Theodore was so impressed that he completed Chad's consecration with his own hands and appointed him Bishop of the Mercians at Lichfield.

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