October 7

St. Artaldus

Saint Artaldus

St. Artaldus: Patron Saint of Vineyards

When he lived:

St. Artaldus lived during the late 11th century, born on August 15, 1101.

Where he lived:

St. Artaldus resided in the quaint village of Belley, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the French Alps.

Notable world events during the time of his life:

The First Crusade (1096-1099): While St. Artaldus was just a child during the First Crusade, this monumental event marked a significant period of religious fervor and exploration. European knights and soldiers embarked on a holy mission to reclaim Jerusalem from the Muslim rulers, reshaping the political and cultural landscape of the Holy Land and Europe.
The Great Famine (1315-1317): Despite St. Artaldus’s earlier birth date, it’s essential to understand the impact of this catastrophic event. Famine swept across Europe, leading to widespread hunger, crop failures, and social upheaval. The experience of this famine and its long-term consequences would have shaped the world St. Artaldus inhabited.
The Magna Carta (1215): Though St. Artaldus lived after the Magna Carta was signed, this landmark event significantly impacted the trajectory of democracy and the rule of law. It limited the powers of English monarchs and set the stage for modern constitutional principles.
The Birth of the University of Paris (c. 1150): The establishment of the University of Paris, one of the earliest universities in Europe, brought about a flourishing of intellectual pursuits and a center for higher learning. This would have been of great interest to St. Artaldus and those around him, fostering an environment of knowledge and scholarship.

His patronage:

St. Artaldus is revered as the patron saint of vineyards and vintners. Legend has it that he had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the vineyards in the region where he lived. As a result, many winemakers and grape growers invoked his name for protection and blessings on their crops, leading to a tradition of honoring him as the patron saint of those involved in winemaking and viticulture.

Apart from being the patron saint of vineyards, St. Artaldus is also considered a protector of travelers and those suffering from speech impediments. His reputation as a compassionate and caring individual extended to those seeking aid during their journeys and those in need of support with communication difficulties.

As you write about St. Artaldus, you can’t help but be drawn to the intriguing combination of historical events and his unique patronage, which makes his story both captivating and inspirational. From his serene Alpine home to the tumultuous world events that unfolded during his time, St. Artaldus’s life remains an interesting tale of faith, resilience, and the intertwining of spirituality with the intricacies of life in medieval Europe.

Life and Dedication

Saint Artaldus is also called Saint Arthaud.

Saint Artaldus was born around 1101 A.D. It is not known for sure when he was born.

Saint Artaldus was born in the palace of Sothonod in Savoy, France.

The names of his parents and siblings, if any, remain unknown. There is no in-depth information on how Saint Artaldus spent most of his early life.

The most notable parts of his life began at age 18. When Saint Artaldus turned 18, he joined the court of Duke Amadeus III.

Saint Artaldus spent only one of his two years in court. He left and joined the Carthusian house in Portes. He spent his initial days and weeks learning how to communicate better with God.

Sometime later, he was ordained a priest. He spent his time and resources not only building a proper relationship with God but also returning to the church.

He was devoted to his faith and had taken a vow of chastity. He spent time praying, meditating, and fasting.

Saint Artaldus was also very generous. He split his properties and gave the same to the sick and the needy.

Some years later, Saint Artaldus was instructed by the Prior of Grandchartreuse. He was instructed to establish a charter house in Valromey. The place was known as “the cemetery”.

Saint Ataldus took the other six priests with him to Portes Charterhouse. There, they worked together to pioneer a community of monks.

It went well for a while until the charterhouse buildings were gutted by fire one day.

Saint Artaldus, seeing that their old community was razed down, chose a piece of land that was close to the Arvières Rive.

Legacy

Saint Artaldus founded and dedicated the Arvières Charterhouse to the Blessed Mary in 1132.

Saint Artaldus was highly respected by the people. He was mentored by Saint Bruno, but he became more popular than Bruno.

When he was over 80 years old, Saint Artaldus was called to be made bishop of the see. Although reluctantly, he served the See for about 2 years.

Saint Artaldus resigned as bishop and retired to Arvières.

Saint Artaldus spent the rest of his years in solitude. He once received Hugh of Lincoln, who had been instrumental in getting King Henry II of England to invest in the charterhouse at Arvières.