The cult of Bede
David Rollason
The aim of this chapter is to explore when, where and what extent Bede was treated as a saint in the medieval period. In early Middle Ages, there existed no generally agreed process for recognizing saints. Not until twelfth century did popes take control canonization, based on evidence saint's posthumous miracles and, case martyr, manner death, or, confessor, outstandingly virtuous life. This process, however, not apply those who were already being certainly never canonized formal sense. 836, Council Aachen called him 'venerable', but so much title context description 'the priest Bede, these modern times venerable admirable teacher'. Only 1899 pope give Doctor Church, with his feast formally adopted into Roman Catholic Church placed since 1969 25 May, rather than 26 or 27 which it celebrated Ages. If earlier periods, must have been vaguer, more local, informal way by saints recognized before advent papal canonization. There seem several parts process. Firstly, someone had compose texts that described life, death miracles, working from variety sources, including oral tradition, possibly strong local flavour (that is, such tradition would be strongest areas invested Bede's reputation).
Cambridge University Press eBooks