Hugh of Lincoln Bishop

Today the Church commemorates Hugh of Lincoln, a monk and Bishop who cared for the poor and spoke freely to Kings.

Hugh was born about 1140 at Avalon, near Grenoble in the Alps. When his mother died, his father entered a community of Augustinian canons at Villarbenoit and took the boy with him. The canons were priests who lived together under a rule. There Hugh received his education and began his religious life.

As a young man, he visited the Grande Chartreuse. The Carthusian monks lived much of their life alone in their cells, meeting for worship and certain meals. Hugh was drawn to their prayer and silence. He entered the community and eventually became responsible for its practical affairs.

King Henry II of England had promised to establish religious houses in penance for the murder of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. One of these was a Carthusian monastery at Witham in Somerset. Its beginning was troubled. The monks lacked what they needed, and the King had assigned them land occupied by other people. Hugh was sent to become Prior, the head of the monastery, and set the foundation in order.

Before taking possession, Hugh insisted that the tenants be provided for. They were to receive suitable homes and land elsewhere, or freedom from their obligations together with payment for what they would lose. The King resisted the expense. Hugh refused to let the monastery proceed at the cost of the people who had lived there. Only when the compensation had been secured did he accept the land.

In 1186, the canons of Lincoln chose Hugh as their Bishop under royal pressure. Hugh would not accept an election made in that way. He required them to return to their cathedral and choose freely. They elected him again. At the command of his Carthusian superior, Hugh left the life he loved and undertook the care of the diocese.

Hugh traveled among the churches of his diocese, instructed the clergy, and attended to the education of those preparing for ministry. He continued the discipline of prayer and returned to Witham when he could. The work of a Bishop did not put an end to his need for silence before God.

Hugh also gave time to people whom others avoided. He visited those with leprosy, washed them, kissed them, and brought them food and money. When a companion compared him with Martin of Tours, whose kiss had healed a leper, Hugh replied that the leper’s kiss had healed his own soul. He said the prayers at funerals and threw earth into the grave. When the dead were poor, he supplied what was needed for their burial.

At Stow, where the Bishop had a residence, the servants brought a fierce swan to his room. Hugh offered it bread. The bird followed Hugh, guarded him while he slept, and pecked at others who came near. When Hugh was away, the swan withdrew; when he returned, it came to greet him.

In 1190, attacks upon Jews spread through England. Christians plundered homes and killed their neighbors. Hugh protected Jews in his diocese and risked his own safety in their defense. At Stamford, a man killed during the plundering had begun to receive honor as a martyr. Hugh ordered the shrine destroyed.

When Richard I required soldiers or money for warfare overseas, Hugh opposed the demand upon his diocese. Richard became angry, but Hugh did not withdraw his refusal.

Hugh went to see Richard in Normandy. The King turned his face away when Hugh greeted him. Hugh took hold of the King’s clothes and shook him, insisting on a kiss of greeting. Richard smiled and kissed him.

When Richard died, Hugh went to his funeral and prayed for him.

In 1200, Hugh became ill in London. During his last days he listened to the Gospel account of Martha and Mary grieving for Lazarus, and of Christ coming to raise him. As death approached, Hugh asked to be laid on the floor upon ashes. The clergy prayed beside him, and he died on November 16 as the evening office was being said.

His body was taken to Lincoln. The Kings of England and Scotland helped to carry his coffin. Jewish mourners also came to his burial and wept for the Bishop who had defended them.

We give thanks for Hugh’s courage, and for the lives it helped to protect. In the presence of Kings and in the company of the suffering, he served Christ. The Lord who sustained him can free us also to serve without fear.