Brocard
Brocard was a hermit monk and one of the early leaders of the hermits on Mount Carmel. He is chiefly remembered for approaching Albert Avogadro to develop a rule of common life for the monks, which marks the origin of the Carmelite Order.
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- Middle East
Key Facts
- ›Brocard was of French ancestry and a hermit monk at Mount Carmel.
- ›He was elected superior of the community on the death of Berthold of Calabria around 1195.
- ›Around 1207, Brocard requested a rule of common life from Albert Avogadro, the papal legate and Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
- ›Albert composed a 16-chapter rule for the community, addressed to a member known only as 'B', traditionally associated with Brocard.
- ›Tradition states that Albert planned to take Brocard to the next Lateran Council, but was murdered before it occurred.
- ›Brocard died around 1231.
Burchard
About Brocard
Brocard, sometimes referred to as Burchard, was a hermit monk of French origin who played a pivotal role in the early history of the Carmelite Order. He is considered one of the first leaders of the hermits dwelling on Mount Carmel.
Life and Historical Context
Details of Brocard's life are largely legendary. He is believed to have been the superior of the hermits on Mount Carmel around 1195, following the death of Berthold of Calabria. Around 1207, Brocard sought assistance from Albert Avogadro, the papal legate and Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, in establishing a formal rule for the community. Albert, a canon regular, composed a concise, 16-chapter rule that became the foundational document for the order. This rule was addressed to a community member known only as 'B', traditionally identified with Brocard, though historical records do not definitively confirm this.
Significance
The development and reception of Albert's rule under Brocard's leadership are recognized as the origin of the Carmelite Order. Tradition holds that Brocard was knowledgeable in scripture, and Albert Avogadro intended to bring him to the next Lateran Council, a plan that was thwarted by Albert's murder.
Veneration
Brocard died around 1231. His veneration, or cult, was officially ordered by the general chapter in 1564. While his liturgical observance was later removed from the reformed breviary in 1585, it was reinstated in 1609. The proper lessons for his feast were approved by the Sacred Congregation of Rites in 1672, though his feast has since been suppressed again. His role as a founder and early leader makes him a significant figure in Carmelite tradition.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Brocard?
Brocard was a hermit monk who lived on Mount Carmel and became one of its early leaders. He is significant for his role in the founding of the Carmelite Order.
What is Brocard most known for?
Brocard is chiefly remembered for approaching Albert Avogadro, the papal legate, to request a rule of common life for the hermits on Mount Carmel. This act led to the creation of the Carmelite Rule.
When did Brocard live?
Brocard was active around the early 13th century. He was elected superior of the hermits around 1195 and died approximately in 1231.
What is the significance of Albert Avogadro's Rule to Brocard?
Albert Avogadro composed a rule of common life for the monks on Carmel around 1207, at Brocard's request. This document is considered the origin of the Carmelite Order.
When was Brocard's cult established?
Brocard's cult was ordered by the general chapter of 1564. It has been removed and reinstated in liturgical texts over the centuries.
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