St. Richard of Chichester

Richard of Chichester, also known as Richard de Wych, was born in 1197 in Worcestershire. He came from a noble family, but because his eldest brother was too young to inherit the estate when they were orphaned, the siblings struggled for many years. Richard was orphaned at a young age. He studied at Oxford, Paris, and Bologna, becoming a canon lawyer. He became chancellor of Canterbury.

Richard was said to live an extremely frugal, ascetic life. He wore a hair shirt and regularly abstained from meat. He refused to eat off silver.

Around 1240, Richard became a priest. In 1244 he was elected bishop of Chichester, but King Henry III refused to accept him, preferring another man. Both sides appealed to the pope, and the king confiscated the diocese’s properties. Pope Innocent IV sided with Richard and consecrated him a bishop at Lyons in 1245. But Henry refused to restore the confiscated properties for years until he was threatened with excommunication.

As bishop, Richard strongly condemned usury and corruption. He supported clerical reforms; he wanted clergy to uphold manners and morals, and he wanted greater reverence of the Mass. He believed priests shouldn’t mumble the prayers, praying sincerely and clearly enough for the laity to understand.

Some of Richard’s clerical reforms included: a vow of chastity required for ordination, deacons not allowed to hear confessions, children to be confirmed within a year of baptism, Mass implements were to be clean, the clergy should wear distinctive and clean garments, and the laity should learn the Apostles’ Creed and Lord’s Prayer in the mother tongue.

Richard of Chichester died on April 3, 1253, after dedicating a chapel in Dover. His internal organs were placed at that chapel; the rest of his body was buried in Chichester. His feast day April 3 (June 12 in Sussex).

In England, there is a popular prayer attributed to Richard. You may notice it as the inspiration for the song “Day by Day.”

Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ
For all the benefits Thou hast given me,
For all the pains and insults Thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother,
May I know Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
Follow Thee more nearly