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Feast Day: June 28
Blessed Almus of Balmerino, also known as Alme or Alanus, was a 13th-century Cistercian monk hailing from Melrose, England. He is best remembered as the first abbot of Balmerino Abbey, which he helped establish around the year 1228.
Not much is known about Almus' early life, including his birth and specific background. However, it is believed that he was born in the 13th century, leading a life of piety and devotion from a young age. Inspired by the teachings of the Cistercian order, Almus joined the monastic community in Melrose, where he dedicated himself to a life of prayer, contemplation, and service to God.
Almus's reputation as a devout and wise monk quickly spread, earning him respect and admiration among his fellow brethren. His leadership qualities and commitment to the ideals of the Cistercian order did not go unnoticed, and in recognition of his spiritual prowess, he was chosen to become the founding abbot of Balmerino Abbey.
Under Almus' guidance, Balmerino Abbey flourished, becoming a center of monastic life and a hub for spiritual growth in the region. Known for his exceptional organizational skills, Almus oversaw the construction of the abbey's physical structure and established its monastic practices, adhering strictly to the Rule of St. Benedict.
During his tenure as abbot, Almus fostered a sense of unity and harmony among the monks, encouraging them to pursue holiness and deepening their devotion to God. He emphasized the importance of humility, poverty, and manual labor as integral components of the monastic way of life. As a spiritual father to his community, Almus displayed unwavering compassion, guiding his fellow monks in their spiritual journey and providing them with counsel and support.
Almus also had a strong commitment to intellectual pursuits. He encouraged the study of theology and the liberal arts within the abbey, believing that knowledge and understanding were essential for the monks' spiritual growth and the advancement of the community as a whole.
Blessed Almus of Balmerino lived a long and fruitful life, passing away in the year 1270 from natural causes. Although the precise details of his veneration and possible beatification are unknown, his legacy as a pious and exemplary Cistercian monk endures. Today, his memory and the work he accomplished at Balmerino Abbey continue to inspire and guide those who seek a life of contemplation and service within the Catholic faith.