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Life of St Wilfrid
Eddius Stephanus, tr. Colgrave, 1927
12. How He Was Consecrated in Gaul
On his election St Wilfrid said these words: “O lords and venerable kings, it is necessary for us in every way to take careful forethought so that I may attain to the rank of bishop by the help of God, in accordance with your election, without any criticism on the part of catholic men. Now there are here in Britain many bishops whom it is not for me to criticize, but I know for a fact that they are Quartodecimans like the Britons and Scots; by them were ordained men whom the Apostolic See does not receive into communion, nor does she even receive those who have fellowship with the schismatics. So, in all humility, I ask you to send me under your protection across the sea to the land of the Gauls where there are many bishops who are considered catholic, so that, without any objection on the part of the Apostolic See, I may, though unworthy, deserve to receive the rank of bishop.”
This plan met with the cordial approval of the kings. They prepared him a ship and a force of men as well as a large sum of money, so as to enable him to enter Gaul in great state. Here at once there took place a large meeting consisting of no less than twelve catholic bishops, one of whom was Bishop Agilberht. When they heard the testimony to his faith they all joyfully consecrated him publicly before all the people with great state, and raising him aloft in accordance with their custom as he sat in the golden chair, the bishops unaided and alone carried him with their own hands into the oratory, chanting hymns and songs in chorus. And so, after a time, they sent him back to the see of York, bidding him, in the name of the Lord, abide in the catholic faith, just as the Apostle Paul bade Timothy his son keep what had been committed to him, which he had received through the laying on of his hands.