Rigobert
Rigobert was a Benedictine monk and later bishop of Reims who is venerated as a saint. He is remembered for baptizing Charles Martel, though he was later driven from his see for political reasons. Rigobert spent his final years in penance and prayer.
- Feast Day
- January 4
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Rigobert was a Benedictine monk and abbot of the Abbey Saint-Pierre of Orbais.
- ›He succeeded Saint Rieul as bishop of Reims in 698.
- ›Rigobert baptized Charles Martel.
- ›He was driven from his see by Charles Martel for political reasons.
- ›Rigobert retired to Gernicourt, where he led a life of penance and prayer.
- ›He died around 750 and was buried in a church he built at Gernicourt.
About Rigobert
Rigobert was a prominent figure in the early medieval church, known for his service as a Benedictine monk, abbot, and eventually bishop of Reims. He is venerated as a saint within the Catholic Church.
Life and Historical Context
Born into a period of significant political and ecclesiastical change, Rigobert's life intersected with powerful figures of his time. He held the position of abbot at the Abbey Saint-Pierre of Orbais before succeeding Saint Rieul as the bishop of Reims in 698. A pivotal moment in his biography was the baptism of Charles Martel. However, for reasons described as political, Charles later brutally removed Rigobert from his episcopal see and replaced him with Milo, who was already the Archbishop of Trier.
Following his expulsion from Reims, Rigobert sought refuge in Aquitaine before retiring to Gernicourt, located in the Diocese of Soissons. There, he dedicated his remaining years to a life of spiritual devotion, marked by exercises of penance and prayer. He died around the year 750.
Death and Relics
Rigobert's mortal remains were initially interred in the church of Saint Peter at Gernicourt, a structure he had personally founded. Over time, his relics became objects of veneration and were moved. Hincmar, a later ecclesiastical figure, translated his relics first to the abbey of Saint Theodoric and subsequently to the church of Saint Dionysius at Reims. Fulk, Hincmar's successor, further relocated them to the Metropolitan Church of Our Lady of Reims, where a significant portion is still preserved in an ornate shrine. Smaller portions of his relics are also kept in the church of Saint Dionysius at Reims and in the cathedral of Paris, where a chapel bears his name.
Veneration
Rigobert is venerated as a saint, with his feast day celebrated on January 4. His life story, particularly the circumstances of his exile and subsequent pious retirement, contributes to his hagiographical narrative. His role as a bishop and a monk, combined with the translation of his relics, cemented his place in the devotional landscape of the regions he served.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Rigobert?
Rigobert was a Benedictine monk and later the bishop of Reims. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
What is Rigobert known for?
He is chiefly remembered for baptizing Charles Martel. Rigobert also served as bishop of Reims before being driven from his see for political reasons.
When did Rigobert live?
Rigobert died around the year 750. His tenure as bishop of Reims began in 698.
Where did Rigobert spend his final years?
After being driven from his see, Rigobert took refuge in Aquitaine and then retired to Gernicourt, in the Diocese of Soissons. There, he lived a life of penance and prayer and built a church.
When is Saint Rigobert's feast day?
Saint Rigobert's feast day is celebrated on January 4.
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