Saint Stephen Harding

Life story

Stephen Harding was born around 1050 or 1060, according to tradition in Dorset, England, and was educated at Sherborne Abbey. Later he travelled through Scotland and France and made a pilgrimage to Rome. On his return he joined the monastery of Molesme in Burgundy. Medieval accounts say he was learned in scripture and careful about the correct text of the Bible, and he oversaw the copying of manuscripts at Cîteaux, among them a large multi-volume Bible that survives in the library at Dijon.

In 1098 a group of monks from Molesme, including Robert, Alberic and Stephen, left to found a new monastery at Cîteaux, in order to live the Rule of Saint Benedict more strictly. Alberic succeeded Robert as abbot, and then Stephen did around 1109, holding the office for more than twenty years. In the early years the community was small and faced much hardship.

Matters changed when Bernard, later abbot of Clairvaux, arrived at Cîteaux with about thirty companions. Under Stephen's leadership the order grew quickly, with many daughter houses. He drew up the Carta Caritatis, a charter governing relations between the monasteries and regular visitation; it was approved in 1119 and became the organisational foundation of the Cistercian order.

Because of failing eyesight he resigned as abbot in 1133 and died at Cîteaux on 28 March 1134. His feast is now kept on 26 January together with Robert and Alberic; earlier it fell on 28 March and then 17 April.

Works and witness

• According to tradition born in Dorset and educated at Sherborne Abbey
• Helped found Cîteaux with Robert and Alberic in 1098
• Third abbot of Cîteaux, from around 1109
• Drew up the Carta Caritatis, approved in 1119
• Resigned in 1133 and died on 28 March 1134

Saints from the same country

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

References

• Martyrologium Romanum
• Dicastery for the Causes of Saints – biographical profile
• Carta Caritatis (Cistercian charter of charity)

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