Everilda facts for kids
Saint Everild of Everingham was a special religious person from the 600s. She was an Anglo-Saxon saint who started a religious community for women, called a convent, in a place now known as Everingham. This area is in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Most of what we know about her comes from an old book called the York Breviary.
There are two churches named after Saint Everild today. One is St Everilda's Church, Nether Poppleton, and the other is Ss Mary & Everilda, Everingham.
Everild became a Christian in the year 635. She was taught by Saint Birinus, along with King Cynegils of Wessex. Stories say that Everild came from a noble family in Wessex. She decided to leave her home to become a nun, which is a woman who dedicates her life to God. Two other saints, Bega and Wuldreda, joined her.
Saint Wilfrid of York helped them become nuns at a place called the Bishop's Dwelling. This place is now known as Everingham. Everild created a large community there, with about eighty women joining her.
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Who Was Saint Everild?
Saint Everild was an important figure in early English Christianity. She lived in the 7th century, which means the 600s. Her life shows how Christianity spread in England during that time.
Her Religious Journey
Everild was born into a noble family in the kingdom of Wessex. This means her family was important and had a high social standing. She chose to leave her comfortable home to follow a religious path. She wanted to become a nun and live a life dedicated to her faith.
She was inspired by Saint Birinus, who helped her become a Christian. Birinus also taught King Cynegils of Wessex about Christianity. This shows how important these religious leaders were in converting people.
Founding a Community
Everild didn't just become a nun by herself. She was joined by other women, Saints Bega and Wuldreda. Together, they formed a new religious group. Saint Wilfrid of York helped them to officially become nuns.
They settled at a place called the Bishop's Dwelling. This place is now known as Everingham, where one of the churches named after her stands. Everild's community grew very large, with around eighty women living and praying together. This was a significant achievement for a woman in that era.
Remembering Saint Everild
Saint Everild is still remembered and honored today. This is called veneration. Her name is found in important old church books and calendars.
Her Place in History
Her name is written in the Martyrology of Usuard. This is a very old book that lists saints and their feast days. Her name also appears in the church calendars of York and Northumbria. This means she was widely recognized as a saint in those regions.
Feast Day
Saint Everild's special day, known as her feast day, is celebrated every year on 9 July.
