Aelred of Rievaulx
Aelred of Rievaulx was an English Cistercian monk and writer who served as Abbot of Rievaulx from 1147 until his death in 1167. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and by some Anglicans, primarily remembered for his spiritual writings, particularly "On Spiritual Friendship," and his role in monastic administration and political affairs.
- Feast Day
- January 12
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Aelred was born in Hexham, Northumbria, in 1110, the son of a priest.
- ›He served at the court of King David I of Scotland before entering the Cistercian abbey of Rievaulx at age twenty-four.
- ›He became Abbot of Rievaulx in 1147 and oversaw its significant growth.
- ›Aelred traveled to Rome in 1142 to represent northern prelates opposing an election.
- ›He wrote influential spiritual treatises, including "Speculum caritatis" and "De spirituali amicitiâ."
- ›His later years were marked by physical ailments, including kidney stones and arthritis.
Ailred, Ælred, Æthelred, Aelredus Riaevallensis
Monk, Abbot, Writer, Theologian, Scholar
About Aelred of Rievaulx
Aelred of Rievaulx (1110 – 12 January 1167), also known as Ailred, Ælred, or Æthelred, was a prominent English Cistercian monk and writer. He served as the Abbot of Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire from 1147 until his death, overseeing its growth and administration.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Hexham, Northumbria, Aelred was the son of a priest. He spent several years at the court of King David I of Scotland, where he held the position of echonomus. After experiencing personal harassment and feelings of depression and alienation, Aelred left court at the age of twenty-four in 1134 to enter the Cistercian abbey of Rievaulx. His early monastic life saw him become a novice master and briefly abbot of the new Revesby Abbey before his election as abbot of Rievaulx itself.
Aelred's abbacy required him to travel for visitations to daughter-houses and for the annual general chapter of the Cistercian Order in France. He was also involved in political affairs, notably contributing to Henry II's decisive support for a Cistercian candidate during a papal schism, leading to the formal recognition of Pope Alexander III.
Major Contributions
Aelred is best known for his influential spiritual writings. His key works include "Speculum caritatis" (The Mirror of Charity) and "De spirituali amicitiâ" (On Spiritual Friendship), the latter considered his greatest work. He also wrote several historical works and biographies, including the "Life of Saint Edward, King and Confessor." His writings often explored themes of friendship, love, and the spiritual life, drawing on classical philosophy and Augustinian theology.
Legacy and Veneration
Aelred died in the winter of 1166–67. He was never formally canonized in the modern sense but became the center of a cult in northern England, officially recognized by Cistercians in 1476. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and some Anglicans, with his feast day observed on January 12th. His body was kept at Rievaulx, and his shrine was noted for its rich decoration before the dissolution of the monastery. In modern times, Aelred has been embraced by some gay Catholic and Anglican circles as a patron, with discussions ongoing regarding the interpretation of his writings on friendship and his personal life.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Aelred of Rievaulx born and when did he die?
Aelred of Rievaulx was born in 1110 and died on January 12, 1167. He lived a significant portion of his adult life as a Cistercian monk and abbot.
What is Aelred of Rievaulx most famous for writing?
Aelred is most famous for his spiritual treatises, particularly "De spirituali amicitiâ" (On Spiritual Friendship), which is considered his greatest work. He also wrote "Speculum caritatis" (The Mirror of Charity) and various historical works.
What was Aelred of Rievaulx's role in the Cistercian order?
Aelred was a Cistercian monk who rose to become the Abbot of Rievaulx Abbey from 1147 until his death. Under his leadership, the abbey grew significantly in size.
How is Aelred of Rievaulx venerated today?
Aelred is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church, with his feast day observed on January 12th. He is also venerated by some Anglicans and appears in the calendars of various Christian denominations.
What was the nature of Aelred of Rievaulx's early life before becoming a monk?
Born in Hexham, Aelred spent several years at the court of King David I of Scotland, holding the rank of echonomus (steward). He left court at age twenty-four due to feelings of depression and alienation, subsequently entering the Cistercian abbey of Rievaulx.
Related Saints
Benedict Biscop
Benedict Biscop was an Anglo-Saxon abbot and founder of Monkwearmouth-Jarrow Priory, a significant monastic institution in Northumbria. He is celebrated for his dedication to establishing a learned religious community, famously founding a renowned library and introducing architectural innovations to England. Following his death, he was canonized and is venerated as a saint.
Martin of Leon
Martin of León was a priest and canon regular of the Augustinian Order, born around 1130 and dying in 1203. He is remembered for his extensive biblical commentaries and sermons, and is regarded as a saint.
Caesaria the Elder
Caesaria the Elder was a saint and abbess who led the convent of Saint-Jean, founded by her brother Caesarius of Arles. She is remembered for her holy life and her role in supervising the copying of the Bible and the daily life of the nuns at the convent.