An English scholar who served as chancellor of Oxford, he became bishop of Chichester. Despite opposition from the king, he lived simply and worked to reform the clergy and relieve the poor.
Life
Richard was born around 1197 in Droitwich, England. He studied at Oxford, Paris and Bologna, served as chancellor of Oxford University, and assisted Archbishop Edmund of Canterbury before being ordained a priest.
In 1244 he was elected bishop of Chichester, but King Henry III refused to recognize him and seized the diocese's property. For a time he ministered in poverty, traveling his diocese on foot and giving generously to the poor. He died at Dover in 1253 and was canonized in 1262. A well-known prayer attributed to him asks to see the Lord more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Spirituality
Richard's spirituality is the simple, steady path of a disciple. Facing opposition from the powerful, he did not grow bitter but continued his ministry in poverty. As his prayer says, knowing, loving and following the Lord was the direction of his whole life.
Reflection
Saint Richard's prayer asks each day to know, love and follow the Lord more closely. Which of these three do I most need to ask for today?