The Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration)

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.

At Lichfield, Chad served with the same simplicity that characterized his earlier life. He traveled his diocese on foot — Theodore personally ordered him to ride, physically lifting him into the saddle — and devoted himself to prayer, reading, and preaching. Bede records that during thunderstorms Chad would prostrate himself in prayer, recalling the psalmist's words about God's voice in the thunder and begging mercy on the world.

Chad died during a plague on March 2, 672, after only two and a half years at Lichfield.

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.