(A.D. 719.)
[Roman Martyrology. German Mart., and that of Sarum by Wytford. His
life is to be gathered from the Acts of his sons SS. Willibald and
Wunibald; the life of S. Willibald was written by his cousin, a nun
of Heidenheim.]
This saint was, according to the belief of the people of Lucca, a
prince in Wessex; but there is not only no evidence that he was of
royal rank, but there is strong contemporary evidence that he was
merely a petty noble.
Taking with him his two sons, Willibald and Wunibald, he undertook a
pilgrimage to Rome; and sailing from Hamblewich, _i.e._ Southampton,
landed in France. He made a brief stay at Rouen, and paid his
devotions at all the principal shrines on his way through France. On
his arrival at Lucca, in Italy, he was taken ill and died. He was
buried in the Church of S. Fridian, there, where his relics are still
preserved; and his festival is kept with singular devotion. See
further the life of S. Willibald (July 7).
[Illustration: S. RICHARD AND HIS SONS. From Cahier. Feb. 7.]
[Illustration: FAMILY OF S. RICHARD THE SAXON.
S. WALBURGA, Virg. Abbess.
S. WUNIBALD, Abbot. S. WILLIBALD, Bishop.
From a Drawing by A. Welby Pugin. Feb. 7.]