Alberic of Cîteaux
Alberic of Cîteaux was a French monk and abbot, and one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. He is now honored as a saint for his role in establishing the order's legal foundation and its strict observance of the Rule of St. Benedict. He is remembered for initiating the construction of the first abbey church at Cîteaux and for introducing the white Cistercian cowl.
- Feast Day
- January 26
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Alberic was a hermit who, with five other hermits, invited Abbot Robert of Molesme to establish a new monastery.
- ›He served as prior at Molesme Abbey and later at Cîteaux Abbey.
- ›Alberic became abbot at Cîteaux in 1100 after Robert returned to Molesme.
- ›He is credited with attaining the Cistercian Order's legal foundation with a bull from Pope Paschal II.
- ›Alberic initiated construction of the first abbey church at Cîteaux and introduced the white Cistercian cowl.
- ›He established the exact observance of the Rule of St. Benedict with the association of lay brothers.
Aubrey of Cîteaux
White Cowl
About Alberic of Cîteaux
Alberic of Cîteaux (died January 26, 1109), also known as Aubrey of Cîteaux, was a significant figure in the early history of the Catholic Church, recognized as a saint and one of the principal founders of the Cistercian Order. His life and work were instrumental in establishing a monastic community dedicated to the strict observance of the Rule of St. Benedict.
Life and Historical Context
Alberic began his monastic life as a hermit in the forest of Collan, France. Alongside five other hermits, he invited Abbot Robert of Molesme to join them in establishing a new monastery. This led to the founding of Molesme Abbey in 1075, with Robert as abbot and Alberic as prior. However, as Molesme grew in fame and wealth, the community became divided, with some monks being less strict in their observance of the rule. During a period of opposition to Robert and Alberic, Alberic was imprisoned by some of the brothers.
Eventually, a stricter group, including Alberic, left Molesme for Cîteaux. After Abbot Robert returned to Molesme by papal decree, Alberic became the new abbot at Cîteaux in 1100. Under his leadership, the community at Cîteaux strove for exact observance of the Rule of St. Benedict, incorporating lay brothers to assist with manual labor and material affairs.
Major Contributions
Alberic of Cîteaux is credited with securing the legal foundation of the Cistercian Order, receiving legitimacy through a papal bull from Pope Paschal II around 1100. He also oversaw the relocation of the monastery's buildings and initiated the construction of the first abbey church at Cîteaux, which was consecrated less than six years after his death. Perhaps his most enduring visual legacy is the introduction of the white Cistercian cowl. Legend attributes this to a vision of the Virgin Mary, and the white cowl has since become one of Alberic's symbolic attributes in hagiographical paintings.
Legacy
Alberic's feast day, shared with Robert of Molesme and Stephen Harding, is celebrated on January 26. His dedication to the rigorous application of the Rule of St. Benedict and his role in establishing the Cistercian Order's structure and identity solidified its path as a major monastic force in medieval Europe.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Alberic of Cîteaux?
Alberic of Cîteaux was a French monk and abbot who lived in the late 11th and early 12th centuries. He is recognized as one of the founders of the Cistercian Order and is honored as a saint.
What is Alberic of Cîteaux known for?
He is primarily known for his role in establishing the Cistercian Order's legal foundation and for championing its strict observance of the Rule of St. Benedict. He also initiated the construction of the first abbey church at Cîteaux and introduced the white Cistercian cowl.
When did Alberic of Cîteaux live and die?
Alberic of Cîteaux died on January 26, 1109. While his birth year is not specified, his active ministry and the founding of the Cistercian Order place him in the late 11th and early 12th centuries.
What was Alberic of Cîteaux's connection to Robert of Molesme?
Alberic was a hermit who invited Abbot Robert of Molesme to help establish a new monastery. Alberic served as prior under Robert at Molesme Abbey and later at Cîteaux Abbey before becoming abbot himself.
When is Alberic of Cîteaux's feast day?
Alberic of Cîteaux's feast day is celebrated on January 26, along with Robert of Molesme and Stephen Harding.
Related Saints
Stephen Harding
Stephen Harding was an English-born monk and abbot, and one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. He is honored as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. Harding is remembered for his leadership in shaping Cistercian thought and its rapid growth, advocating for simplicity in monastic life, and for his accomplishment as a scribe, notably the Harding Bible.
Stephen of Obazine
Stephen of Obazine was a French priest and hermit known for his pious nature from a young age. He is celebrated for founding Obazine Abbey and establishing a nearby nunnery, later affiliating his order with the Cistercians. He is commemorated for his devotion to religious life and his charitable works.
Peter of Tarentaise
Peter of Tarentaise was a Cistercian monk who became the Archbishop of Tarentaise. He is remembered for his care for the poor, the ill, and travelers, and for his efforts to mediate disputes between monarchs. Following reports of miracles at his tomb, he was canonized as a saint.