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Saint Alberic of Cîteaux
Image: Photograph of a painting · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Saint Alberic of Cîteaux

Second abbot of Cîteaux, who sought papal protection and the white habit

Rank
Saint
Kind
Religious, Founder
Life
d. 1109
Era
12th century
Feast
26 January
Countries
France
France

Life story

Alberic first appears in the records as a hermit living in the forest of Collan, in France. With five other religious he joined Robert, abbot of Molesme, in seeking permission to reform monastic life according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. At Molesme he served as prior. As the abbey grew famous and wealthy, discipline slackened and the community split. According to one account, some of the monks even imprisoned him.

A stricter group left Molesme and founded a new monastery at Cîteaux, inaugurated on 21 March 1098, the feast of Saint Benedict. Robert was the first abbot and Alberic served as prior. About a year later Robert was recalled to Molesme, and the monks of Cîteaux elected Alberic to take his place.

As abbot, he sent two monks, John and Ilbode, to Pope Paschal II. By a letter dated 18 April 1100 the pope took Cîteaux under his direct protection. After this the community exchanged the black habit of the Benedictines for a white one; a later legend says that the Virgin Mary herself handed it to the monks. To keep the Divine Office going day and night, he admitted lay brothers (conversi) to look after manual labour and material affairs. He died in 1109 (some sources say 1110). Stephen Harding succeeded him. His feast day is 26 January.

Works and witness

  • Joined Robert of Molesme with five other religious to seek monastic reform, and served as prior of Molesme
  • Helped open Cîteaux on 21 March 1098, first as prior
  • Became abbot of Cîteaux when Robert returned to Molesme
  • Obtained Pope Paschal II's direct protection for Cîteaux (letter of 18 April 1100)
  • Introduced the white habit and the lay brothers; succeeded by Stephen Harding

Saints from the same country

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint Louis IX of France, Saint Joan of Arc, Saint Francis de Sales

References

  • Catholic Encyclopedia, 'Cistercians' (New Advent)
  • Catholic Encyclopedia, 'Abbey of Cîteaux' (New Advent)
  • Catholic Encyclopedia, 'St. Stephen Harding' (New Advent)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.