October 6

St. Bruno

When he lived

St. Bruno, known as the founder of the Carthusian Order, lived during the 11th century, from 1030 to 1101.

Where he lived

St. Bruno’s life was shaped in various locations across Europe, but he is most famously associated with the Chartreuse Mountains in southeastern France. It was in this breathtakingly scenic setting that he established the first Carthusian monastery, the Grande Chartreuse, in 1084.

Notable world events during the time of his life

The Norman Conquest (1066): In 1066, the famous Battle of Hastings took place, resulting in the Norman Conquest of England. William the Conqueror’s victory changed the course of history and had a profound impact on European politics and culture.
The Investiture Controversy (1075-1122): A significant conflict arose between the papacy and secular rulers over the right to appoint church officials. This power struggle had a lasting effect on the relationship between religious and secular authorities in medieval Europe.
The First Crusade (1096-1099): This remarkable event saw European Christians embark on a military campaign to recapture the Holy Land from Muslim control. The capture of Jerusalem in 1099 marked the end of the First Crusade and triggered a series of crusades that would last for centuries.
The Battle of Manzikert (1071): The Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine Empire, resulting in the loss of Anatolia. This event marked a turning point in the Byzantine-Seljuk relations and further weakened the Byzantine Empire’s control over the region.
The University of Bologna (Founded around 1088): While not an event per se, the establishment of the University of Bologna during St. Bruno’s lifetime became one of the oldest and most influential universities in Europe. It played a pivotal role in the development of European higher education.
The Domesday Book (1086): In England, William the Conqueror commissioned the Domesday Book to assess the extent of his newly acquired kingdom’s wealth and taxable resources. The book provides invaluable historical information on medieval England.

His patronage

St. Bruno is venerated as the patron saint of several important causes. These include:

Calming storms: It is believed that he intercedes on behalf of those seeking protection and safety during turbulent times, both literal and metaphorical.
Bruno also serves as the patron saint of the Carthusian Order, the monastic community he founded. The Carthusians, known for their contemplative and austere way of life, continue to be guided by St. Bruno’s spiritual legacy.

St. Bruno’s life and the events of his time were marked by significant upheavals and transformative developments. His dedication to a life of prayer and solitude amidst the bustling historical events makes him a fascinating figure to explore, even today.

Early life

St. Bruno, also known as St. Bruno of Cologne, was born in 1030 and died in 1101. He was the founder of the Carthusian Order. He belonged to the family of Hartenfaust, which was one of the principal families of the city. Not much is known about St. Bruno’s childhood. The only information available is that he studied theology in the present-day French city of Reims. After studying, he returned to his native land in Cologne, where he was ordained a priest around 1055 and was provided with canonry at St. Cunibert’s.

Life as a Leader

In 1056, St. Bruno was recalled by Bishop Gervais to Reims, and the following year he was made head of the Episcopal School. His post involved being the director of the school and overseeing all the educational establishments of the diocese. He was the leader for eighteen years, and he maintained the prestige that the school of Reims had attained under its former masters. During his leadership, St. Bruno acquired an excellent reputation as a theologian and philosopher. Among his students were some prominent figures such as Pope Urban II, the Bishop of Langres, the Bishop of Reggio, and Robert. The school also produced a large number of prelates and abbots. In 1075, St. Bruno was appointed chancellor of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Reims. His duties included the daily administration of the diocese. During that time, the pious bishop was succeeded by Manasses de Gournai, who was a violent aristocrat without any real vocation for the church. In 1077, St. Bruno discreetly avoided the cathedral city until 1080. This was a result of a conflict that was sparked when St. Bruno and the clergy at Reims urged for the suspension of de Gournai. De Gournai did not take the suspension lying down; he in fact had his retainers pull down the houses of his accusers and confiscate their goods. A popular riot by the masses compelled de Gournai to withdraw and seek refuge with Henry IV.

Spiritual Teachings and Philosophy

St. Bruno’s spiritual legacy is deeply intertwined with the founding and practices of the Carthusian Order. His teachings emphasized:

Solitude and Silence: Bruno believed in the power of solitude as a means to connect with God. He taught that in silence, one could hear the voice of the divine more clearly.
Simplicity: The Carthusian way of life, as established by Bruno, stressed extreme simplicity in all aspects of life, from diet to possessions.
Contemplative Prayer: Bruno emphasized the importance of deep, contemplative prayer as a primary means of spiritual growth and connection with God.
Balance of Communal and Solitary Life: While valuing solitude, Bruno also recognized the importance of community. The Carthusian lifestyle he established includes both individual cells for solitary prayer and common areas for shared worship.
Detachment from Worldly Concerns: Bruno taught that true spiritual freedom comes from detaching oneself from material possessions and worldly ambitions.
Lectio Divina: This practice of meditative reading of scripture was central to Bruno’s spiritual approach.
Humility: Bruno stressed the importance of humility in spiritual life, which is reflected in the Carthusian Order’s reluctance to promote the canonization of its members.

St. Bruno’s teachings continue to influence not only the Carthusian Order but also broader Christian spirituality, particularly in areas of contemplative practice and the value of silence in spiritual life.

Other Forms of Service

St. Bruno left Reims and placed himself and his companions under the direction of Robert of Molesme, and they formed the Cistercians in 1098 with a band of other hermits. He, however, realized that it was not his vocation. He went with six of his companions to Hugh of Chateauneuf, the bishop of Grenoble, who installed them as the first lay brothers. These lay brothers built an oratory with small individual cells where they lived isolated in poverty, fully occupied in prayer and study. They were frequently honored by the visits of St. Hugh, who became like one of them. In 1090, St. Bruno was called to Rome by one of his former students, Eudes of Chatillon, who had become a pope. The pope needed competent and devoted allies to continue the work of reform commenced by Gregory VII. There is no information on the exact position he occupied in Rome because it is confidential. He worked as an advisor, but he was wisely kept in the background. Even though St. Bruno would have preferred to return to his solitary life, he had to remain in Italy near the papal court, to which he could be called in need. In 1091, St. Bruno and some of his followers constructed a little wooden chapel and cabins in a small forested high valley in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Squillace, and they lived there a life of prayer and devotion. At the turn of a new century, St. Bruno’s companions died one after the other, and Bruno followed on October 6, 1101 in Sierra San Bruno.

Legacy

St. Bruno was venerated in the Roman Catholic Church; he was beatified by Pope Leo X in 1514, and he was canonized in February 1623 by Pope Gregory XV. St. Bruno’s Feast Day is celebrated on the 6th of October, and he is attributed with holding the skull with a book and a cross with a Carthusian habit. He may be crowned with a halo of seven stars. He is known as the patron saint of Germany, Calabria, monastic fraternities, Carthusians, trade marks, Ruthenia, and possessed people. St. Bruno’s disciples praised him for his three talents: his great spirit of prayer, extreme mortification, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin.

5 Interesting Facts About St. Bruno

St. Bruno founded the first two communities of the Carthusian Order.
St. Bruno refused to be appointed a bishop and instead opted for his solitary life.
Bishop Grenoble had a vision of St. Bruno before he visited him.
After the death of St. Bruno, a servant was sent to travel through Italy, France, Germany, and England to announce his death.
St. Bruno was never formally canonized because the Carthusian Order maintains a strict observance of humility; he was just included in the General Roman Calendar.