St. Adelelmus of Flanders
Feast 04-27
Patron of
About
Adelelmus of Flanders, also called Alleaume, was a hermit and a disciple of St. Bernard of Tiron, one of the great wandering preachers and founders of religious houses in the reforming movement of the early twelfth century. Drawn by Bernard's example of poverty and preaching, Adelelmus embraced the eremitical life and followed his master in seeking Christ in solitude and in the labor of gathering disciples. He founded the monastery of Étival-en-Charnie in the county of Maine, near the borders of Flanders, establishing a community that would keep alive the ideals of monastic reform, simplicity of life, and devotion to prayer. The place he chose, in the forest of Charnie, was suited to the eremitical discipline he loved.
Suggested prayer
O God, who led St. Adelelmus into the forest of Charnie to found a house of prayer, grant through his intercession that we may prefer nothing to the love of Your house and the silence of Your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
