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.
- Feast Day
- January 26
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Stephen Harding was born in south-west England around 1060.
- ›He was one of the founders of the Cistercian Order, establishing a new monastery at Cîteaux, France in 1098.
- ›He served as the third abbot of Cîteaux for twenty-three years.
- ›Stephen Harding received official approbation for the Carta Caritatis (Charter of Charity) in 1119.
- ›He encouraged simplicity in monastic life, Cistercian architecture, and the Order's liturgy and music.
- ›He resigned as abbot in 1133 due to poor eyesight and died on March 28, 1134.
Étienne Harding
Harding Bible
About Stephen Harding
Stephen Harding (c. 1060 – 28 March 1134) was an English-born monk and abbot, recognized as a key figure in the founding of the Cistercian Order. He is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.
Early Life and Journey
Born in south-west England, Stephen Harding spent his youth at Sherborne Abbey in Dorset. His early adult life involved travel, including a pilgrimage to Rome and time spent in Scotland and France. It was in France, in the Burgundy region, that he joined a monastery at Molesme.
Founding the Cistercian Order
In 1098, Stephen, alongside Robert and Alberic, departed from Molesme to establish a new monastic community at Cîteaux, France. Following the departures of Robert and Alberic, Stephen became the third abbot of Cîteaux. His abbacy was marked by initial challenges in attracting new members, but the arrival of Bernard of Clairvaux with thirty companions significantly bolstered the community.
Under Stephen's leadership, and in collaboration with Bernard, the Cistercian Order experienced substantial expansion, with many new monasteries being founded. A significant achievement of his tenure was the official approbation of the Carta Caritatis (Charter of Charity) in 1119, a foundational document for the order. Harding's policies and decisions were often influenced by his earlier experiences, including time with the Vallombrosians. He served as abbot of Cîteaux for twenty-three years, during which the order grew rapidly and its principles were solidified. His leadership emphasized simplicity in all aspects of monastic life, influencing the severity of Cistercian architecture and the clarity of its liturgy and music.
Accomplishments and Legacy
Stephen Harding was an accomplished scribe, and his greatest known work is the Harding Bible. In 1133, he resigned his position as abbot due to failing eyesight. Veneration for Stephen Harding began in the modern era, with his feast day celebrated on various dates before being settled on January 26 for a joint commemoration with the first two abbots of Cîteaux. His insistence on simplicity and his role in shaping Cistercian thought and growth remain his enduring contributions.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Stephen Harding?
Stephen Harding was an English-born monk and abbot who lived from approximately 1060 to 1134. He is recognized as one of the founders of the Cistercian Order and is honored as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.
What is Stephen Harding best known for?
He is chiefly remembered for his role in founding and shaping the Cistercian Order. Harding advocated for simplicity in monastic life and is credited with influencing the order's rapid growth in the 12th century. He was also an accomplished scribe, with the Harding Bible being considered one of his greatest achievements.
When was Stephen Harding the abbot of Cîteaux?
Stephen Harding served as the third abbot of Cîteaux for twenty-three years. This period was crucial for the development and expansion of the Cistercian Order.
What significant document is associated with Stephen Harding?
In 1119, Stephen Harding received official approbation for the Carta Caritatis, also known as the Charter of Charity. This document was vital for the Cistercian Order as it established its unifying principles.
When is Stephen Harding's feast day celebrated?
Stephen Harding's feast day is celebrated on January 26th, in a joint commemoration with Robert of Molesme and Alberic, the first two abbots of Cîteaux. Previously, his feast day had been celebrated on March 28th and then April 17th.
Related Saints
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.
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.
Aelred of Rievaulx
Aelred of Rievaulx was an English Cistercian monk and writer who served as Abbot of Rievaulx from 1147 until his death in 1167. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and by some Anglicans, primarily remembered for his spiritual writings, particularly "On Spiritual Friendship," and his role in monastic administration and political affairs.