Saint’s Life Story

His Early Life

Robert, also known as Robert of Cîteaux, was born around 1027 near Troyes, Champagne, in modern-day France. His noble parents, Thierry and Ermengarde, brought Robert in piety and strong education. Robert dedicated himself early on to a life of religious service.

Benedictine Monk at 15

At the age of fifteen, Robert became a Benedictine monk in the abbey of Montier-la-celle near Troyes, France. Soon after his novitiate. Robert was appointed prior. Around the year 1070, Robert was made abbot of Saint Michel-de-Tonnerre, in the Diocese of Langres. The scandals at the abbey were the motivation behind Robert’s unsuccessful attempts to reform the abbey.

Soon, however, he discovered that the monks were quarrelsome and disobedient, so Robert returned to the abbey at Montier-la-Celle. The abbot of Moutier-La-Celle sent Robert to the Saint-Ayoul de Provins Abbey, where he became the prior.

Joined Hermits At Collan

During this time, Robert learned about a little group of seven anchorites or hermits in forest of Collan, near Tonnerre, France. They sought to return to a simpler form of Benedictine life. Meantime two of the seven hermits of Collan, France went to Rome, Italy and asked Pope Gregory VII to give them the prior of Provins as their superior. The pope granted their request. So, in 1074, Robert initiated the hermits of Collan to the monastic life.

At that time, since they did not have any regular superior over them, they asked Robert to take that position. Robert accepted.

Moved to Molesme

Since the location of Collan was unhealthily situated and unsuitable, Robert removed them into the forest of Molesme, in Burgundy, France. Here, Robert and the hermits built themselves little cells made of boughs of trees and a small oratory in honor of the Holy Trinity. Robert and the group gained a reputation for their piety, which led to generous bequests and an increase in the size of the monastery.

To Molesme as a guest came the distinguished canon and doctor (écolâtre) of Reims, Saint Bruno. In 1082, he placed himself under the direction of Robert, before founding the celebrated order of the Chartreux. At this time the primitive discipline of the Benedictine order was still in its full vigor and Robert’s community lived by the labor of their hands.

Wealth Brings Resistance

In 1098, there were 35 dependent priories of Molesme, other annexes, and some houses of nuns. Donors from the surrounding area vied with one another in helping the monks who soon had more than they needed. So, the monastery became wealthy through these numerous donations. With wealth, despite the vigilance of Robert, came laxity of discipline. Robert endeavored to restore the primitive strictness. Many brothers began objecting and showing much resistance to the severe lifestyle practiced by Robert and the founders. So, Robert abdicated and left the care of his community to his prior, Saint Albéric of Cîteaux. On two different occasions, Robert left Molesme to live on his own, seeking a more solitary and ascetic existence. However, he was called back to his position by the Pope.

Founder of the Cistercian Order

In early 1098, Robert, along with Saint Stephen Harding, Saint Alberic of Cîteaux, and 18 other monks, left Molesme to establish a new monastery near Dijon, France. On March 21, 1098, they founded the monastery of Citeaux, in the Diocese of Châlons. Their goal was strict adherence to the Benedictine Rule, embracing vows of poverty and engaging in frequent retreats. Robert served as the first abbot of Cîteaux. The monastery of Citeaux would become the mother-abbey of a new monastic family — the Cistercian Order.

The first rule established by Robert, at Citeaux, allotted the monks 4 hours every night for sleep, 4 for singing the divine praises in the choir, 4 hours were assigned on working days for manual labor in the morning, after which the monks read until noon. Their diet consisted of roots and herbs.

Returns to Molesme

Meanwhile, conditions at monastery at Molesme had deteriorated and the monks of Molesme appealed to the pope. So, in 1100, Robert was reassigned as abbot there with a mandate to reform the monastery and they agreed to submit entirely to his interpretation of the Rule of St. Benedict. After his departure, Saint Albéric was made his successor as abbot at Cîteaux, with Saint Stephen Harding as prior.

He dedicated the rest of his life to the work of revitalizing Molesme and bringing it back to its original purpose. With Robert’s efforts, Molesme regained its reputation as a center of piety and monastic life.

His Death

As abbot of Molesmes, Robert died on April 17, 1111 in Molesmes, France. (Although some note his death on March 21, 1110). Robert was buried in the church at the abbey he founded.

Meanwhile, the monastery at Cîteaux, under the direction of Saint Albéric, and especially Saint Stephen Harding, became the cornerstone for the new Cistercian Order, which grew to greater fame in the 12th century when Saint Bernard of Clairvaux arrived with thirty-five of his relatives and friends to join the monastery.

Born:                 Around 1027 near Troyes, Champagne, France

Died:                 April 17, 1111 in Molesmes, France

Beatified:          Unknown

Canonized:       1222 by Pope Honorius III

Feast Day:        April 17, April 29 (on some calendars), January 26 (Founders of the Cistercians)

Patron Saint:    Cîteaux Abbey

Source:

• • Apr 29 – St Robert of Molesme (1027-1110) abbot – Catholicireland.net
  • CatholicSaints.Info » Saints of the Day – Robert of Molesme, Abbot by Katherine I Rabenstein
  • Catholic Encylcopedia: St. Robert of Molesme by New Advent
  • Saint Robert of Molesme – Saint for a Minute: Saints & Blesseds
  • Robert of Molesme – Wikipedia

Prayers

Video Link

St. Robert of Molesme: Cutting His Losses to Stay True to His Convictions – YouTube (Awaken The Saint)