Richard de Wych (c. 1197–1253) studied at Oxford and served as chancellor to Saint Edmund of Abingdon before being made Bishop of Chichester in England in 1244. Though King Henry III at first refused to recognize him and withheld his revenues, Richard lived simply as a guest in a priest's house, traveling his diocese on foot to care for his people. He died at Dover on April 3, 1253, and was canonized in 1262.
Richard shows that faithfulness does not depend on comfort or approval — shut out of his own bishop's house, he simply kept serving, generous to the poor even when he had little himself. His famous prayer asks to know Christ more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly, day by day — a gentle, steady path any grieving or weary heart can walk.
Lord Jesus, as Saint Richard prayed, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen.