“I don’t know if the good Lord is pleased with me, but I give myself totally to Him. Oh, how sweet it is to think of nothing at the last moment—neither one’s sins nor one’s virtues—but only of mercy!” (Words of Blessed Édouard Poppe on his deathbed.)
Showing all posts dated January 12, 2026
Saint Aelred of rievaulx: A fervent cistercian abbot
Following the interpretations of the Epistle of James, I would like to continue what I began last year: presenting the lives of some of the saints.
The saint we are focusing on today was born in Hexham, England, in 1109. His noble parents took particular care with their son’s education. Aelred received an extensive classical education in his youth at Durham Benedictine Abbey. Under King David I (1124–1153), he initially stayed at the Scottish royal court as a companion to the Scottish princes and later served as an administrator.
Even at court he was noted for his gentleness. Once, when someone at court interrupted him during a discussion and showered him with insults, he listened in deep silence and then, without showing the slightest displeasure, resumed his previous remarks.