Roman martyrology: In the city of Reims, in Neustria (today France), saint Rigoberto, Bishop, having been expelled from its headquarters by Carlos Martel, against the provisions of the canons, led a humble life.
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Etymology: “He who is admired by his power or acquisition.”

 SHORT BIOGRAPHY

This 8th century French Benedictine archbishop, is also known as Saint Robert of Rheims. After serving for a time as abbot of Orbais, he was appointed archbishop of Rheims. He was known for his kindness and ascetic nature. While bishop he lived in a small chamber over the city gates and had a ladder installed so he could easily get into the church to pray.

As a result of a dispute with Charles Martel, the powerful Frankish mayor of the palace, he was banished and the see was bestowed upon the prelate Muon. . While he was away, another was appointed bishop, when the matter was resolved and Rigobert returned to Reims, but to prevent scandal and dissention among the faithful, he did not try to recover his bishopric, and spent the rest of his days as a hermit.

Rigobert was long venerated as a model of patience and was credited with many miracles. One story describes how he was given a live goose to take home for his dinner. Rigobert put the bird in the arms of a servant-boy accompanying him. Along the way, as Rigobert was reciting the Divine Office, the bird broke free and flew away. The boy was very concerned about this mishap, but Rigobert comforted him, urging him to trust in God. When Rigobert resumed his prayers, the goose flew back to them. Thereafter, the archbishop kept the bird as a pet. The goose would walk with him to church and wait patiently for him while he celebrated Mass at an altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Rigobert died 743 and was buried in the Church of Saint-Thierry in Rheims.