Oduvald

Saint Oduvald was a Scottish nobleman and governor of the province of Lothian who renounced the world and entered the abbey of Melrose, where he became abbot. He was a contemporary of Saint Cuthbert and reposed in the year 698, ten years after him. He is commemorated on 26 May.

Alban Butler writes that his joy on entering the monastery showed itself in singing the psalmist's verses about Israel's departure from Egypt and the snare that is broken. Throughout his monastic life he was remarkable for continual advancement in spiritual fervour, with the gift of tears and constant prayer. His sighs after heaven were crowned with a happy death.