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Wulfstan (1008-1095) + Bishop and reformer, also called Wulstan and Wolstan.
Born at Long-Itch ington, Warwickshire, England, he studied at the abbeys of
Evesham and Peterborough, received ordination, and joined the Benedictines
at Worcester. Wulfstan served as treasurer of the church at Worcester, was
prior of the monastery, and finally was named bishop of Worcester in 1062.
After overcoming initial doubts about his ability to hold the office of
bishop, he demonstrated such skill after the Norman Conquest that he was the
lone bishop to be kept in his post by William the Conqueror (r. l066-l087).
For the next three decades, Wulfstan rebuilt his cathedral, cared for the
poor, and struggled to alleviate the harsh decrees of the Normans upon the
vanquished Saxons. Wulfstan died while engaged in the daily ritual of
washing the feet of a dozen poor men. He was canonized in 1203. Feast day:
January 19.
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