St Chad (Latin: Ceadda), Bishop of the Mercians, fixed his Episcopal See at Lichfield. He was for some time a disciple of St Aidan at Lindesfarne, and afterwards joined to St Egbert in Ireland. Returning to England, he was made abbot of Lestingham, near Whitby. He travelled on foot about his diocese, seeking out and instructing the poorest of his flock. He died in 672.The Catholic Cathedral in Birmingham is dedicated to St Chad, and contains his relics there for veneration, above the High Altar.
The beautiful medieval statue pictured is present in the cathedral against one of the nave pillars. It dates from the mid-16th century although it was modified in the 19th. He is shown with episcopal vestments with crozier, holding a model of Lichfield Cathedral (now in Protestant hands). The oak canopy was designed by Hardman's in 1902 and restored in 2005.
Almighty and everlasting God, who givest us joy by this day's solemnity of blessed Chad, Thy confessor and bishop: we humbly entreat of Thy mercy that we, who with devout celebration venerate his festival, may, by his loving help, obtain the remedies of eternal life. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
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