Saint-Ruf
The Abbey of Saint-Ruf in Avignon was a prominent house of canons regular that served as the mother house for the Order of Saint-Ruf. Founded in 1039, it grew significantly, influencing monastic customs across Europe and producing several bishops and even a pope. Despite periods of decline and damage, its historical significance led to its declaration as a monument historique.
Key Facts
- ›Founded on January 1, 1039, by four clergymen who were granted a dilapidated church dedicated to Saint Rufus.
- ›Promoted to an abbey by Pope Gregory VII in or shortly after 1080, with Arbert as its first abbot.
- ›Influenced the customs of numerous other chapters and monasteries, including those in Spain, Portugal, and Germany.
- ›Nicholas Breakspear, who later became Pope Adrian IV, served as abbot between 1143 and 1147.
- ›The abbey walls were crenellated in the 14th century for defense against routiers.
- ›Confiscated and sold as biens nationaux during the French Revolution in 1796.
- Mother House of the Order of Saint-Ruf
- Influenced Monastic Customs Across Europe
- Site of Two Interprovincial Councils In the 14th Century
Abadia De Sant-Ruf
Saint Rufus of Avignon, Bishop Benedict of Avignon, Kamaldus, Odilo, Pontius, Durandus, Arbert, Bertrand, Lietbert, Berengar, Olegarius, Nicholas Breakspear, Bruno the Carthusian
- Foundation of the Canonry
- Promotion To Abbey
- Pope Urban Ii Confirmed Properties and Customs
- Headquarters of the Order Moved To Valence
- Site of Interprovincial Councils
- Abbey Walls Crenellated
- Renovated After Damage During French Wars of Religion
- Abandoned Due To Disrepair
- Confiscated and Sold As Biens Nationaux
- Declared A Monument Historique
About Saint-Ruf
Saint-Ruf Abbey, Avignon
The Abbey of Saint-Ruf (Occitan: Abadia de Sant-Ruf) was a significant house of canons regular located in Avignon, France, which flourished between the 11th and 18th centuries. It served as the foundational abbey and headquarters for the Order of Saint-Ruf, playing a crucial role in the development and spread of monastic life. The origins of Saint-Ruf can be traced back to a church dedicated to Saint Rufus of Avignon, which may have existed as early as the 4th century.
Origins and Foundation
The formal foundation of the canonry of Saint-Ruf is recognized as January 1, 1039. On this date, Bishop Benedict of Avignon granted a dilapidated church, identified as an 'abbatiola' (little abbey), to four of his clergymen: Kamaldus, Odilo, Pontius, and Durandus. These clerics, described as "religieuse," dedicated their community to both Saint Justus and Saint Rufus, initially following the Rule of Aachen before eventually recognizing the provost of the cathedral chapter as their rector. A pivotal moment occurred around or shortly after 1080 when Pope Gregory VII elevated Saint-Ruf to the status of an abbey, appointing Arbert as its first abbot. Under Abbot Arbert, the abbey adopted the customary and, by 1084, the Rule of Saint Augustine.
Growth and Influence
Saint-Ruf experienced rapid growth, accumulating numerous priories through donations. Pope Urban II officially confirmed its properties and approved its customs in 1092, marking the first papal approval of the vocation of canons regular. The abbey's influence extended beyond its immediate vicinity; two of its canons were among the founders of the Grande Chartreuse with Bruno the Carthusian in 1084. Several figures from Saint-Ruf rose to episcopal prominence, including Bertrand, elected bishop of Barcelona in 1085, and Abbot Arbert himself, who became bishop of Avignon in 1096. The abbey's customs, particularly those codified by Abbot Lietbert in his "Liber ordinis," became influential, with the cathedral chapters of Maguelone, Mende, Uzès, Tortosa, and Tarragona adopting them. Its customs also shaped those of monasteries in Marbach, Indersdorf, Rottenbuch, Chaumousey, and Aureil, and were adopted by the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Coimbra, Portugal.
Decline and Legacy
In the 14th century, Saint-Ruf in Avignon hosted two interprovincial councils in 1326 and 1337, representing the provinces of Arles, Aix, and Embrun. To defend against the threat of routiers, the abbey walls were crenellated. The abbey suffered damage during the French Wars of Religion and underwent renovation in 1628. However, by 1764, it was in such disrepair that it was abandoned. The buildings were confiscated and sold as national property during the French Revolution on September 14, 1796. Despite its eventual ruin, the historical importance of the Abbey of Saint-Ruf was recognized when it was declared a monument historique in 1889.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Abbey of Saint-Ruf founded?
The foundation act of the canonry of Saint-Ruf is dated January 1, 1039. This occurred when Bishop Benedict of Avignon granted a church to four of his clergymen.
What religious order was Saint-Ruf associated with?
Saint-Ruf was a house of canons regular and the mother house of the Order of Saint-Ruf. Its canons eventually adopted the rule of Saint Augustine.
Did any notable figures emerge from Saint-Ruf?
Yes, several notable figures were associated with Saint-Ruf. This includes Abbot Arbert, who became bishop of Avignon, and Nicholas Breakspear, who was elected Pope Adrian IV.
What happened to the Abbey of Saint-Ruf?
The abbey was abandoned in 1764 due to disrepair. During the French Revolution, its buildings were confiscated and sold off in 1796. It was later declared a monument historique in 1889.
Where was Saint-Ruf located?
The abbey was situated in the city of Avignon, outside the city walls to the south. Its headquarters for the order were later moved to Valence in 1158.
Related Monasteries
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Beaugerais Abbey
Beaugerais Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery located in Loché-sur-Indrois, France, was founded in the mid-11th century. It experienced a period of wealth through donations but faced financial difficulties and destruction during the Hundred Years' War. The abbey came under the commendation regime in the late Middle Ages, and by the French Revolution, only two monks remained. Today, only the nave of the first abbey church and remnants of the cloister survive, listed as historical monuments.
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