St. Adelard
Saint Adelard
St. Adelard of Corbie
When they lived: St. Adelard of Corbie, also known as Adalard the Younger, lived from around 751 to 826 AD.
Where they lived: St. Adelard was born in the Frankish Kingdom, which is now modern-day France. He spent most of his life in the region of Picardy and later became the abbot of the renowned monastery of Corbie, situated near the Somme River.
Notable world events during the time of their life:
- Carolingian Renaissance (8th and 9th centuries): St. Adelard lived during the period known as the Carolingian Renaissance, which was a revival of learning and culture in the Frankish Kingdom under the rule of Charlemagne and his successors. This era witnessed significant advancements in arts, literature, and education.
- Viking Raids and Invasions: During St. Adelard’s lifetime, Europe faced the threat of Viking raids and invasions. Norse seafarers launched plundering attacks on various coastal areas, causing widespread fear and instability.
- Charlemagne’s Reign (768-814 AD): St. Adelard lived during the reign of Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great. Charlemagne was a prominent ruler of the Carolingian Empire and played a vital role in the unification and expansion of Western Europe.
- Islamic Golden Age (8th to 14th centuries): While St. Adelard resided in Europe, the Islamic world experienced its golden age, characterized by remarkable achievements in science, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, and the arts. Scholars from the Islamic empire made significant contributions to human knowledge during this time.
- The Great Schism (1054 AD): Although St. Adelard did not live to see it, one of the significant events that occurred after his lifetime was the Great Schism in 1054 AD. This event marked the formal split between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, resulting in the formation of two distinct Christian traditions.
Their patronage: St. Adelard is considered the patron saint of gardeners and agricultural workers. According to legend, he was known for his deep reverence for nature and gardens, and it is said that his prayers were particularly effective in ensuring bountiful harvests and protection against crop failures. As such, farmers and those who work the land often seek his intercession for blessings on their crops and livelihoods.
Early Life
Saint Adelard, sometimes called Saint Adalard of Corbie, was born in Huise around 751 A.D.
He was said to be of noble descent. Saint Adelard was the son of Charles Martel, and King Pepin the Short was his uncle. He was also called the first cousin of Charlemagne.
Saint Adelard grew up amidst royalty. As a child, he received the finest things in life.
Adelard received his primary education at the Court of Charlemagne, which was located in Aachen. After his initial education, at a very young age, he was appointed Count of the Palace.
Saint Adelard was 20 when he joined the monastery in Corbie, Picardy, around 772 A.D. The monastery had been pioneered by Queen Bathild in 662.
While he enjoyed serving at the monastery, he continued to crave seclusion. This caused him to travel to Monte Cassino.
After living in Monte Cassino for a while, his cousin Charlemagne ordered him to return home to Corbie. At Corbie, he was made Abbot.
Dedication and Devotion
While still serving as abbot, Saint Adelard was appointed prime minister by Charlemagne’s son, Lord Pepin. Pepin was at that time the King of Italy in the Carolingian Empire.
Saint Adelard continued to shuffle between serving as Abbot of his monastery and Prime minister. While in power, he took part in sittings to discuss the state of the military and the government. He wasn’t just passionate about the church; he loved his city as a whole.
Before Lord Pepin died in Milan in the year 810, he put his son Bernardin Adelard in his trust. Bernard, at that time, was just 12 years old.
Seven years later, in 817, Bernard got ready to take the throne. Emperor Louis the Debonair, also called Louis the Pious at that time, was Lord Bernard’s rival.
Suspecting that Saint Adelard was in alliance with Bernard, Emperor Louis had Adelard banished to an island in modern Noirmoutier. As a result, Wala, who was Adelard’s brother, became a monk at Corbie.
Saint Adelard was in exile for five years before Emperor Louis realized that he had made a mistake. Sorry for the costly mistake, he had Saint-Adelard found, brought bark to Corbie, and made him one of his chief executive officers.
Legacy
Back in good graces with the Emperor, Saint Adelard established several hospitals. These went a long way in ensuring that the occurringsicknesses were controlled in Corbie.
In 822, Adelarde cofounded Corvey Abbey in Westphalia.
Death and Canonization
Saint Adelard spent his days establishing health institutions and monasteries. He was a highly respected man who put the needs of the people before his own.
In the year 826, Saint Adelard was said to have been traveling to Corbie when he fell sick around the 22nd of December. He continued to fight for his health, but he died on the 2nd of January of the following year.
Saint Adelard was said to have died around 3 p.m. He was said to have been about 73 years old.
Even in death, Saint Adelard was said to have been a bearer of miracles. His relics were claimed to have healed the sick, the blind, and the deaf. The relics were, however, transported to an unknown location in 1026.
Saint Adelarde was canonized in 1026 by Pope John XIX. He is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church on January 2.
5 Interesting Facts About St. Adelard
- Did you know that Saint Adelard is the patron Saint of churches and
towns in France? - Did you know that Saint Adelard’s abbey extends across the bishopric?
of Paderborn and the duchy of Brunswick? - Did you know that Saint Adelard is considered the patron saint of
against fever and typhoid? - Did you know that Saint Adelard is depicted as an abbot gardening?
with his crown on the floor near him? - Did you know some of Saint Adelard’s writings are considered
important for the Church?
