Saint of the Day

01 · Read · A life to discover

St. Richard of Chichester

Richard, also known as Richard de Wyche, studied at Oxford, Paris, and Bologna and served as a church administrator before becoming bishop of Chichester. His election met opposition from Henry III, who withheld the revenues of the diocese even after Pope Innocent IV consecrated him in 1245.

Richard's relationship with Edmund of Canterbury helped shape his vocation. He accompanied Edmund into exile and later studied theology at Orléans before ordination. His education in law thus developed into a more directly pastoral service.

As bishop, he issued statutes covering clergy, worship, and sacramental practice. Requiring clergy to obtain copies made these reforms concrete. His support for the cathedral and almsgiving also show how he used episcopal resources once the dispute with the king had been resolved.

For a time Richard depended on the hospitality of his clergy while carrying out his ministry. His later work included preaching in support of a crusade. He died at Dover on April 3, 1253, and was buried at Chichester. Canonized in 1262, he is remembered through early biographies and his surviving will. His customary feast is April 3, the anniversary of his death.