"The
saint's devotion to the Holy Eucharist is shown by his minute and
careful legislation regarding all things connected with the service of
the altar. Everything surrounding it, and especially the linen used for
Mass, must be of spotless cleanliness, and no priest may say Mass in
torn or dirty vestments. The chalices must be of gold or silver, and a
crucifix must always be placed before the celebrant. When the Holy
Viaticum is carried to the sick it must be taken with the utmost
reverence, the priest in surplice and stole, accompanied by cross,
lights, and holy water, and preceded by an acolyte with a bell to let
the people know that their Lord is passing.
Only those who have
passed a sufficient examination are to be admitted to the ranks of the
clergy, and no one is to be ordained to sacred orders if he come with
any other design than to serve God alone; ordination, therefore, should
be refused to anyone for money, favor, or privilege, and all those in
the least tainted with heresy or suspected of leading unholy lives must
be rigorously excluded from the priesthood. (...) Finally,
the clergy are reminded of the duty of instructing their flocks in the
truths of the Faith, and they must teach them simple prayers according
to their ability to learn. Source: Richard of Wyche, labourer, Scholar, Bishop, and Saint. by Sister Mary Reginald OP 1913
"St. Richard was born in
Worcestershire. From his childhood, he had a great aversion to dances, shows, and
gay amusements; and applied diligently to virtue and learning. Quitting
all worldly prospects, he studied first at Oxford, then at Paris,
where, with two companions, he lived in great poverty, contenting
himself with coarse bread, and drinking only water, which nevertheless
he used to say was the most pleasant time of his whole life.
He afterwards went to
Bologna, to study canon law; and having taught there a short time, he
returned to Oxford, and was chosen chancellor of that university. He was
afterwards appointed chancellor to St. Edmund, archbishop of
Canterbury; in which charge he was faithful, just, affable, modest, and
sincere. He kept close to his holy prelate in all his tribulations, and
accompanied him in his exile. Being ordained priest, he returned to
England; and not long after was chosen bishop of Chichester. The king, Henry
III., opposed his nomination, but Pope Innocent IV. ratified his
election, and consecrated him with his own hands at Rome.
The saint returned to
England, but found all the revenues of his bishopric seized by the
king's officers. He went therefore to his diocese poor and penniless,
and suffered great hardships for two years, when his revenues were
restored to him, though much impaired. Seated now in his episcopal
chair, St. Richard shone forth more illustrious then ever in all
virtues. He was fervent in prayer, night and day, liberal in alms-deeds,
and rigorous in the chastisement of his body. In visiting his diocese,
he always made diligent inquiry after the sick and poor; and not only
relieved them, but visited them in person, to comfort them with pious
exhortations. God was pleased by miracles to testify his approbation of
these great charities; especially when one loaf blessed by the saint,
was so wonderfully multiplied, as to satisfy three thousand poor. He
suffered at one time a great loss by fire; but with a pleasant
countenance he only said: "Perhaps God has punished us, because we were
not liberal enough in our alms; and therefore see that we give more
bountifully for the time to come."
Whilst he was employed in
preaching a crusade for the recovery of the Holy Land, he fell sick; and
prepared for his last end, by receiving the Sacraments, and making a
general confession of his whole life. He died at Dover on the 3rd of
April, 1253, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. Pray for the pastors of
the Church, and in particular of this nation, that they may be every
way fitted for their charge. Pray for the people also, that peace and
charity may reign among them, that they may be united in one faith, and
live according to the Gospel."
The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
Prayer to Saint Richard of Chichester
Most merciful Redeemer,
who gavest to thy Bishop Richard a love of learning,
a zeal for souls, and a devotion to the poor:
grant that, encouraged by his example,
and aided by his prayers,
we may know thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly,
and follow thee more nearly,
day by day;
who livest and reignest with the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God,
world without end. Amen.
Prayer of Saint Richard of ChichesterGratias tibi ego, Domine Jesu Christe, de omnibus beneficiis, quae
mihi praestitisti; pro poenis & opprobiis, quae pro me pertulisti;
propter quae plactus ille lamentablis vere tibim competebat. Non est
dolor sicut dolor meus.
