Saint Agilbert of Paris

Biography

Saint Agilbert of Paris, also known as Agilbert of Wessex, was born to the Frankish nobility near Soissons, France. He displayed a deep devotion to God from an early age and sought to further his spiritual journey through education. Agilbert's quest for knowledge led him to the monastery of Jouarre in Ireland, where he studied under the spiritual guidance of his cousin, abbot Ado. In 650, King Coenwalh of the West Saxons extended an invitation to Agilbert, sensing his wisdom and faith, to serve as the bishop of Wessex. Agilbert accepted the offer and established his episcopal see at Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Throughout his tenure as bishop, Agilbert zealously engaged in evangelistic efforts and missionary work, spreading the teachings of Christianity to the people of Wessex. During his time in Wessex, Agilbert had the privilege of working closely with the renowned Saint Wilfrid of York. The two collaborated on various initiatives aimed at promoting the Christian faith and addressing the spiritual needs of the local communities. Additionally, Agilbert played a crucial role in the transition from Celtic liturgical customs to Roman ones within the region, striving to establish liturgical unity among the faithful. In 660, King Coenwalh made a political decision to divide Agilbert's see, resulting in the bishop's return to France. Agilbert accepted the position of Bishop of Paris in 668, devoting himself to the spiritual needs of the faithful in the capital city. Despite an invitation from King Coenwalh to return to Wessex, Agilbert declined, choosing instead to remain in his Paris see for the remainder of his days. Saint Agilbert passed away around the year 685, succumbing to natural causes. His efforts in spreading the Gospel, promoting unity within the Church, and his unwavering commitment to the spiritual well-being of the people of Wessex and Paris left a lasting impact on the Christian community. Although not officially recognized as a patron saint, Saint Agilbert's legacy continues to inspire those who seek to serve God faithfully and dedicate their lives to the propagation of the Christian faith. His feast day is celebrated on October 11th, and though he was not canonized under the official pre-congregation process, his sanctity and devotion to Christ remain revered by believers worldwide.