Almighty God, who in a rude and barbarous age didst raise up thy deacon Alcuin to rekindle the light of learning: Illumine our minds, we pray thee, that amid the uncertainties and confusions of our own time we may show forth thine eternal truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen. A lovely prayer, and very apt for one of the greatest scholar monks of the early Middle Ages (9th century). Plus he was English to boot. As the chief advisor to Charlemagne (who was illeiterate!), Alcuin had enormous influence on how the Holy Roman Empire developed, and the Yorkshire theologian helped inspire and guide the so-called Carolingian Renaissance.
How we need great minds and spirits like his today!
David Handy+