Bernat Calbó
Bernat Calbó was a Catalan jurist, bureaucrat, monk, bishop, and soldier who played a significant role in the Reconquista of Valencia. He is remembered for his service as Bishop of Vich, his participation in the military campaigns against the taifa of Valencia, and his involvement in the publication of the Furs of Valencia.
- Feast Day
- October 26
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›Bernat Calbó was born around 1180 near Reus into a knightly family.
- ›He served as a jurist and functionary at the Archdiocese of Tarragona before becoming a Cistercian monk at Santes Creus.
- ›He was elected the first abbot of Santes Creus and later became Bishop of Vich in 1223 or 1233.
- ›Bernat joined the Crusade of Reconquista in 1238, bringing material aid to the sieges of Burriana and Valencia.
- ›He helped to publish the Valencian laws, the Furs of Valencia.
- ›He died at Vich in 1243 and was buried in the Cathedral of VIC.
Calvó, Bernard of Calvo
Bishop, Monk, Jurist, Military Leader, Scholar
Bishop In A Cistercian Habit
About Bernat Calbó
Bernat Calbó (c. 1180 – 26 October 1243), also known as Bernard of Calvo, was a significant Catalan figure who served as a jurist, bureaucrat, monk, bishop, and soldier.
Life and Historical Context
Born and educated near Reus, Bernat Calbó came from a family of the knightly class. He initially worked as a jurist and functionary for the Archdiocese of Tarragona. In 1214, he entered the Cistercian order, becoming a monk at the monastery of Santes Creus, where he eventually became the first abbot. Later, in 1223 or 1233, he was appointed Bishop of Vich.
Role in the Reconquista and Legal Contributions
In 1238, Bernat Calbó and his retinue actively participated in the Crusade of Reconquista against the taifa of Valencia. He contributed material support to the sieges of Burriana and Valencia. Following the fall of Valencia, he and his troops joined in a celebratory Mass in the city's former central mosque. He received numerous land grants in the Kingdom of Valencia and visited the region again in 1242. As a jurist, he was instrumental in the publication of the Furs of Valencia, the official laws of the kingdom, before his death in Vich in 1243. He was interred in the Cathedral of Vic.
Veneration
Bernat Calbó was beatified by Pope Alexander IV in 1260 and canonized by Pope Clement XI on September 26, 1710. His feast day is celebrated by the Cistercians on October 24 and by the diocese of Vich on October 26. He is typically depicted iconographically as a bishop wearing a Cistercian habit.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bernat Calbó?
Bernat Calbó was a Catalan jurist, bureaucrat, monk, bishop, and soldier. He lived from approximately 1180 to 1243.
What was Bernat Calbó's religious affiliation?
Bernat Calbó became a Cistercian monk at the monastery of Santes Creus. He later served as its abbot and then as the Bishop of Vich.
What role did Bernat Calbó play in the Reconquista of Valencia?
Bernat Calbó joined the Crusade of Reconquista in 1238, providing material aid to the sieges of Burriana and Valencia. He and his troops participated in the celebratory first Mass in Valencia's central mosque after its fall.
What is Bernat Calbó known for in terms of law?
As a jurist, Bernat Calbó was involved in the publication of the Valencian laws, known as the Furs of Valencia. This legal codification was a significant development for the region.
When was Bernat Calbó beatified and canonized?
Bernat Calbó was beatified by Pope Alexander IV in 1260. He was later canonized by Pope Clement XI on September 26, 1710.
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