Of Danish descent, he learned monastic life at Fleury in France before returning to England. As bishop of Worcester and archbishop of York he founded and reformed monasteries, and he died while washing the feet of the poor.
Life
Saint Oswald of Worcester was born in tenth-century England into a family of Danish descent. He was educated with the help of his kinsman Oda, Archbishop of Canterbury, and learned Benedictine monastic life deeply at the abbey of Fleury in France.
Returning to England, he became bishop of Worcester in 961 and later also held the archbishopric of York. With Saints Dunstan and Ethelwold he led the monastic reform in England, and he founded Ramsey Abbey. He is said to have loved washing the feet of the poor, and tradition says that during Lent in 992 he died in prayer just after performing this service.
Spirituality
Oswald's spirituality is the humility of a serving shepherd. Though he held the high office of archbishop, he washed the feet of the poor as the Lord washed His disciples' feet. Building praying communities through monastic reform was also his way of serving the Church.
Reflection
Though an archbishop, Oswald washed the feet of the poor. Is your position or role becoming a means of service? Why not look for a chance today to serve someone humbly?