A daughter of King Edwin of Northumbria, Eanfleda was baptised a Christian as a new baby in thanksgiving for Edwin’s escape from assassination. After her father’s death in battle seven years later, she and her mother and the other children returned to Kent with Paulinus (see October 10th). She returned to Northumbria to marry Oswy, when she was sixteen. After his death she joined her daughter Elfleda (see February 8th) at Hild’s (see November 17th) monastery in Whitby. After Hild’s death Eanfleda and Elfleda ruled it jointly.

Show me, gracious Father, how good may come out of evil and hurt. Help me to trust Your promise that all things work together for good to those who love You; and enable me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Amen.