Aymard of Cluny
Aymard of Cluny was the third abbot of the monastery of Cluny, serving after Odo of Cluny. He is remembered for upholding the Rule of St. Benedict and for his strong organizational skills in managing the monastery's expanding properties and receiving gifts. He resigned in 954 due to blindness and is noted for his peaceful acceptance of his condition.
- Feast Day
- October 4
- Century
- 10th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Aymardus was the third abbot of Cluny, elected in 942 after Hildebrand refused the position.
- ›He was devoted to upholding the Rule of St. Benedict and paid close attention to the material concerns of the monastery.
- ›Cluny's property expanded during his abbacy, and he was known for his good organizational skills.
- ›Two additional monasteries, Celsiniacus and the Abbey of St Amand's, came under Cluny's jurisdiction while he was abbot.
- ›Aymardus became blind in his last years and resigned as abbot in 954.
- ›He died in 965, with his name still appearing in records as abbot for years after his resignation.
Aymardus of Cluny
About Aymard of Cluny
Aymard of Cluny, also known as Aymardus, served as the third abbot of the influential monastery of Cluny in the 10th century. Very little is known about his life, with primary references found in the biographies of his predecessors and successors, Odo of Cluny and Majolus of Cluny.
Election and Abbacy
Aymardus was elected abbot around the year 942, following the death of Odo. The monks initially wanted their prior, Hildebrand, to take the position, but he refused, leading to the election of Aymardus. His abbacy was characterized by a strong commitment to upholding the Rule of St. Benedict. Unlike his predecessor Odo, Aymardus paid greater attention to the material concerns of the monastery, demonstrating good organizational skills in managing its expanding properties and gifts received.
During his tenure, Cluny's jurisdiction grew, with two additional monasteries coming under its control: Celsiniacus (Sauxillanges) and the Abbey of St Amand's near St Paul-Trois-Chateaux.
Resignation and Later Life
Aymardus became blind in his final years and resigned as abbot in 954. He urged the monks to elect Majolus of Cluny as his successor, expressing his inability to continue leading the monastery effectively due to his infirmity. After Majolus accepted the position, Aymardus retired to live in the infirmary. He died in the year 965. Despite his resignation, his name continued to appear in Cluny's records as an abbot for some years thereafter, though few details from this period are known.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Aymard of Cluny?
Aymard of Cluny, also known as Aymardus, was the third abbot of the monastery of Cluny. He served after Odo of Cluny and was known for his dedication to the Rule of St. Benedict and his organizational skills.
When was Aymard of Cluny elected abbot?
Aymardus was elected abbot of Cluny in 942. This followed the death of Odo of Cluny and the refusal of the prior, Hildebrand, to take the position.
What were Aymard of Cluny's contributions as abbot?
As abbot, Aymardus focused on upholding the Rule of St. Benedict and managing the monastery's material concerns. Under his leadership, Cluny's property expanded, and two additional monasteries came under its jurisdiction.
Why did Aymard of Cluny resign?
Aymardus became blind in his last years and resigned as abbot in 954 to ensure the monastery's welfare was properly overseen. He urged the monks to elect Majolus of Cluny as his successor.
When did Aymard of Cluny die?
Aymard of Cluny died in the year 965. He lived for eleven years after his resignation as abbot.
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