Saint Anthelm of Belley

Biography

Saint Anthelm of Belley, also known as Anthelm de Chignin, Anthelme, Anthelmus, or Antelmo, was born into the nobility in the year 1105 in Savoy. Showing great promise from a young age, he was ordained a priest and eventually became the provost of a cathedral chapter. However, he became entangled in Church politics and found himself seeking ecclesiastical positions not out of a genuine desire to serve, but rather to increase his own power and authority. It was during this period of ambition that Anthelm encountered a transformative experience that would change the course of his life. He visited the Carthusians at Portes and this encounter deeply touched his soul. He felt a powerful call to the monastic life, recognizing that true fulfillment and holiness lay in selfless dedication to God's service. In response to this divine calling, at the age of thirty, Anthelm renounced all his prestigious offices and retired to the Carthusian monastery to begin his new life as a monk. Within a remarkably short period of time, Anthelm's devotion and leadership qualities became evident, and he was appointed as the prior of the mother house at Grande Chartreuse. Under his guidance, the monastery flourished, both in terms of increased numbers of monks and their deepened spirituality. Anthelm's influence was not limited to the confines of the monastery; he reached out to the broader community, inspiring many with his example and teachings. During the Schism of 1158, Saint Anthelm openly supported Pope Alexander II, aligning himself against the powerful Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. This stance earned him the enmity of the emperor but only served to enhance his reputation as a faithful and courageous bishop. In recognition of his steadfast loyalty to the papacy, Anthelm was consecrated as the bishop of Belley, France on 7 September 1173. So beloved was he by the people of Belley, that the town briefly came to be known as Anthelmopolis in his honor. Years later, feeling the call to return to a life of solitude and contemplation, Saint Anthelm retired to the solitude of Portes. However, his exceptional leadership qualities and spiritual insights were once again recognized, and he was asked to serve as the prior of the community at Portes. Accepting this responsibility, Anthelm brought about further growth and harmony within the monastic community. After two years at Portes, Saint Anthelm was once again called back to the mother house at Grande Chartreuse. However, his influence extended beyond the walls of the monastery yet again when he was summoned to England to help reconcile the schism between King Henry II and Thomas a Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Saint Anthelm of Belley lived a life dedicated to the service of God, both as a monastic and as a bishop. His unwavering loyalty to the Church and his commitment to the spiritual growth of those under his guidance have left a lasting impact on the faithful. He exuded humility, wisdom, and a deep love for God that continues to inspire believers to this day. Saint Anthelm of Belley died in France in the year 1178. Recognizing his exceptional holiness and the profound impact of his life, Pope Paul V canonized him as a saint in 1607. Today, Saint Anthelm is honored as the patron saint of Belley, France, where his memory is cherished and his intercession sought. His feast days are celebrated on 26 June and, on some calendars, also on 2 January. Note: Although no specific representation is mentioned for Saint Anthelm of Belley, it is common to depict saints in Episcopal attire, as a Carthusian monk, or in prayerful contemplation.