# The Te Deum and the life of St. Egwin
*2015-11-30*

> Bill Young reflects on the life of St. Egwin, a 7th-century Benedictine bishop, and recites the Te Deum hymn.

## The Life of St. Egwin

Today is Wednesday, December 30th, the feast day of St. Egwin. St. Egwin was a bishop in England during the 7th century. He started his ministry quite well, but he eventually encountered problems with the clergy because he was very strict. As a result, he had to go to Pope Constantine and was annulled. Following this, he returned to his great works. The Blessed Mother appeared to him to show him where a church should be built, and he built that church, where he eventually died on December 30th, 717. Many miracles were attributed to him after his death.

## The Te Deum

St. Egwin was a Benedictine bishop, and in that spirit, we look to the lyrics of the Te Deum, which is also Benedictine. This hymn is sung at the end of the Divine Office on Sundays and feast days.

We praise you, O God. We acclaim you as the Lord. Everlasting Father, all the world bows down before you. The angels sing your praise, the host of heaven and all the angelic powers; all the seraphim and cherubim call out to you in an unending song: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts.

The heavens and earth are filled with your majesty and glory. The glorious band of apostles and the noble company of prophets, the white-robed army who shed their blood for Christ, all sing your praise. And at the ends of the earth, your holy church proclaims her faith to you.

## The Redemption and Judgment

Father, whose majesty is boundless, your true and only Son is to be adored, and the Holy Spirit is to be our advocate. You, Christ, are the King of glory, Son of the eternal Father. When you took our nature to save mankind, you did not shrink from the virgin's womb. You overcame the power of death, opening the Father's kingdom to all who believe in you.

Enthroned at God's right hand in the glory of the Father, you will come in judgment according to your promise. You redeemed your people by your precious blood. Come, we implore you, to our aid. Grant us, with the saints, a place in eternal glory.

## A Prayer for Mercy

Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance; reign over them forever and ever. Day by day we praise you; we acclaim you now and for all eternity. In your goodness, Lord, keep us free from sin. Have mercy on us, Lord; have mercy on us, Lord; have mercy. May your mercy always be with us, Lord, for we have hope in you. In you, Lord, we put our trust.

*Through the example of St. Egwin and the prayer of the Te Deum, we are reminded to put our trust and hope in the mercy of the Lord.*