The Common Worship lectionary has moved his day from April 3rd to June 16th which was when, in 1253, he was buried in his shrine behind the high altar of the cathedral in Chichester. He had died in Dover and his body was carried all the way back to Chichester - even perhaps taking a route north of the Downs from Lewes and perhaps passing close to our community as it mourned the loss of a much loved bishop.
Richard de Wych in his earlier career was a specialist in the law of the church. He had been Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and then 'right hand man' to St Edmund, Archbishop of Canterbury. After the death of St Edmund, Richard?s career took a different turn as he went to study in France, was ordained priest and was on the point of joining the Dominican Friars when he was called to succeed Ralph Nevill as Bishop of Chichester in 1244. King Henry III refused to accept this new bishop and it was not until 1246 that Richard could enter his diocese. But he soon showed himself as a true pastoral and spiritual leader of his people.
He made the cathedral the focal point of the diocese. He insisted that parish churches were kept in good repair. The laity were to be taught by the clergy who were to carry out all their duties in a fitting fashion. Those who disobeyed the bishop were in danger of excommunication. Such was the fate of the Rector of Ditchling, Master Deodatus - how frustrating that we do not know why!! Richard's saintliness was shown in his great concern for the poor, in his disregard for his own wealth and comfort and in the purity of his personal life. Miracles were attributed to him in his powers of healing and in his control over the elements. All enough to bring him sainthood within 9 years of his death.
For us, we thank St Richard for those wonderful words of his prayer. How conscious we are of the benefits we have received from our Lord and how much we long to know Him more clearly, love Him more dearly and follow Him more nearly.
Richard Allen