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St. Alberic of Citeaux
January 26, Saint


Source: Catholicsaints.info



Hermit and co-founder of the great Cistercian Order

Roman martyrology:  In the monastery of Cistercians in Burgundy  (France), St. Alberic, abbot, who, as a monk was one of the first religious who founded the new monastery and, having been elected abbot, he directed the monastery overhanging his zeal in procuring the formation of his monks, as a true lover of the rule and the brothers (1109) .

SHORT BIOGRAPHY

Hermit at Collan, Chatillon-sur-Seine, France. He, Saint Robert of Molesme, and several fellow hermits formed a monastery at Molesmes in 1075 with Alberic as prior. The group's reputation grew, and they attracted disciples, though some were not interested in living by the monastic rule. One of the house's co-founders, Robert, left, and when Alberic tried to enforce discipline, he was briefly imprisoned by his brothers; he finally gave up and left, as well.

In 1098, Alberic and Robert joined with Saint Stephen Harding and about twenty of their disappointed brothers from Molesmes to found a new house at Citeaux, France. This house became the foundation of the Cistercian Order, one of the greatest and most respected houses in the Church.



Alberic served first as prior, and then abbot, requiring strict adherence to the Benedictine Rule. Established the lay-brother element of the monastery. Introduced the Romanesque art form that is characteristic of early Cistercian houses.

He died on January 26, 1109.

 








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