No image available
Feast Day: May 26
Blessed Lambert Péloguin of Vence, also known as Lamberto, was born in 1084 in the small village of Bauduen, France. Tragically, his mother passed away during childbirth, leaving Lambert without a maternal figure in his life. However, Providence had a different plan for him, as he would find a new family and purpose in the Benedictine monks of Lérins Abbey.
At the tender age of twelve, Lambert was taken under the care and guidance of the monks, who nurtured his spiritual development and provided him with a solid education. Recognizing his unwavering devotion and potential, he was received into the Order at the age of fourteen. Lambert's life in the monastery proved to be fulfilling and enriching, as he immersed himself in prayer, study, and service to God.
However, Lambert's faithful journey took an unexpected turn when he was chosen to become the bishop of Vence, France, in the year 1114. Reluctant to leave behind the peaceful life he had known within the monastery, Lambert initially resisted the appointment. Nevertheless, with humility and obedience, he accepted the role and dedicated the next forty years of his life to serving the faithful of Vence.
As the bishop of Vence, Lambert displayed immense compassion and selflessness. He understood the importance of caring for the marginalized and vulnerable members of society, establishing hospitals to provide medical assistance to the sick and infirm. His commitment to alleviating suffering extended to supporting widows and orphans, ensuring they were not forgotten or neglected.
Despite his ecclesiastical duties, Lambert never lost sight of the importance of solitude and contemplation. Recognizing the need for spiritual rejuvenation, he would frequently retire to a small forest hermitage. In this seclusion, he could immerse himself in silence and prayer, seeking guidance from God and finding solace in His presence.
Blessed Lambert Péloguin's profound piety, honesty, and charity were well-known and respected, not only among the faithful but also among civil authorities. His reputation was such that civic matters were often brought to him for arbitration, and his judgments were accepted without further appeal. Lambert's unwavering commitment to justice and his devotion to a life of virtue made him a trusted mediator and esteemed figure in both the spiritual and secular realms.
After serving the diocese of Vence faithfully for four decades, Blessed Lambert Péloguin peacefully passed away in 1154. His departure from this world was as natural as his approach to life itself, marked by a deep trust in God's divine plan. Some of his relics are enshrined in the cathedral of Vence, a testament to the impact he had on the faithful there, while others remain in the parish church of Bauduen, a reminder of his humble beginnings.
Although not formally venerated or beatified by the Catholic Church, the legacy of Blessed Lambert Péloguin of Vence continues to inspire and guide believers today. His unwavering faith, commitment to justice, and selfless compassion serve as an example for all those seeking to live a life of holiness and service to others.