Gerard of Clairvaux
Encyclopedia
Saint Gerard of Clairvaux (died 1138) was the older brother of Bernard of Clairvaux
. When Bernard entered Cîteaux with a group of young relatives and friends in 1112, Gerard did not join him. Instead, he participated in the military life, but was injured during a siege
of Grancy
and was also imprisoned. During his imprisonment, he decided to enter the monastic life and went to Citeaux after his release.
His brother appointed him cellarer and Gerard managed the domestic affairs of abbey. He is said to have become so skillful in manual occupations that builders, smiths, shoemakers, and weavers went to him for advice and instruction. On his way to Rome in 1137 he fell il at Viterbo
. However, he recovered and returned to France but died the next year.
He was eulogized
by his brother.
in Charente Maritime is dedicated to him.
His feast day is June 13.
Bernard of Clairvaux
Bernard of Clairvaux, O.Cist was a French abbot and the primary builder of the reforming Cistercian order.After the death of his mother, Bernard sought admission into the Cistercian order. Three years later, he was sent to found a new abbey at an isolated clearing in a glen known as the Val...
. When Bernard entered Cîteaux with a group of young relatives and friends in 1112, Gerard did not join him. Instead, he participated in the military life, but was injured during a siege
Siege
A siege is a military blockade of a city or fortress with the intent of conquering by attrition or assault. The term derives from sedere, Latin for "to sit". Generally speaking, siege warfare is a form of constant, low intensity conflict characterized by one party holding a strong, static...
of Grancy
Grancy
Grancy is a municipality of the canton of Vaud in Switzerland, located in the district of Morges.-History:Grancy is first mentioned in 1141 as Granci. In 1202 it was mentioned as Grantie.-Geography:...
and was also imprisoned. During his imprisonment, he decided to enter the monastic life and went to Citeaux after his release.
His brother appointed him cellarer and Gerard managed the domestic affairs of abbey. He is said to have become so skillful in manual occupations that builders, smiths, shoemakers, and weavers went to him for advice and instruction. On his way to Rome in 1137 he fell il at Viterbo
Viterbo
See also Viterbo, Texas and Viterbo UniversityViterbo is an ancient city and comune in the Lazio region of central Italy, the capital of the province of Viterbo. It is approximately 80 driving / 80 walking kilometers north of GRA on the Via Cassia, and it is surrounded by the Monti Cimini and...
. However, he recovered and returned to France but died the next year.
He was eulogized
Eulogy
A eulogy is a speech or writing in praise of a person or thing, especially one recently deceased or retired. Eulogies may be given as part of funeral services. However, some denominations either discourage or do not permit eulogies at services to maintain respect for traditions...
by his brother.
Veneration
The church at La LaigneLa Laigne
La Laigne is a commune in the Charente-Maritime department in southwestern France.-Population:-External links:* *...
in Charente Maritime is dedicated to him.
His feast day is June 13.