Saint Godric
Hermit (
1170 Anno Domini A.D.) Feast: 21 May
Saints Who Were Musicians 
Godric was born in Norfolk , shortly after the Norman Conquest. Vigorous & enterprising, he became a successful merchant 
& a skilled seaman 
He sought the protection of the saints on his journeys, & would often visit their shrines.
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/21/saint-of-the-day-21-may-saint-godric-of-finchale-c-1070-1170/
A visit to the place where Saint Cuthbert had lived as a hermit inspired in Godric a longing for a similar life. With the practicality of a savvy trader, he began to use his temporal goods to pursue spiritual ones. He became an avid pilgrim 
journeying to Jerusalem 
Compostela 
Rome 
& elsewhere. A 2nd journey to Jerusalem included his elderly mother. It is said that she chose to go barefoot & he frequently carried her
https://www.boydbooks.com/listing/1151389970/st-godric-the-tragedy-of-finchale-priory
Eventually, Godric donated his wealth & became a hermit at Finchale, near Durham Cathedral 
where his heavenly friend Saint Cuthbert was buried 
Here, it is said, his counsel was sought by Thomas Becket , Pope Alexander III , & other notables. His few short songs, composed during this eremitical life, are the oldest English songs for which the original music is written down 
http://www.ted-aylward.com/family/godric-of-finchale.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godric_of_Finchale
One Godric hymn is a rollicking hymn in honor of Saint Nicholas 
patron of sailors 
Two others are said to have been given to him in visions: his sister's hymn of thanksgiving as she entered heaven, & a prayer for assistance dictated by our Lady. Their heavenly origin is easy to accept: they are hauntingly beautiful
Loving Father, your son Godric earnestly pursued holiness. By his prayers & example, may our lives too blossom into beautiful songs for you 
#SaintGodric #PrayForUs
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