Saint Bertulf of Luxeuil

Biography

Saint Bertulf of Luxeuil, also known as Bertulf of Bobbio, was a renowned Catholic saint who lived during the 7th century. He was born in Austrasia, the son of a pagan nobleman. However, Bertulf's life took a significant turn when he came into contact with his relative, Saint Arnulf of Metz, who played a vital role in his conversion to Christianity. In the year 620, Bertulf entered the monastic community at Luxeuil Abbey. As a monk, he faithfully followed the Rule of Saint Columbanus, which emphasized strict adherence to the monastic way of life. With time, his dedication and spiritual wisdom became evident to all, leading to his appointment as the third abbot of the monastery in Bobbio, Italy, in the year 627. Saint Bertulf was known for his unwavering commitment to his monastic duties and his outspoken preaching against Arianism. Arianism was a heretical belief that denied the divinity of Jesus Christ, posing a significant threat to the orthodox Christian faith at the time. By boldly opposing this heresy, Bertulf played a vital role in safeguarding the true teachings of the Catholic Church. Beyond his intellectual pursuits, Bertulf was also recognized as a miracle worker and a healer. A fellow monk once reported witnessing a miraculous cure when Saint Bertulf was healed of a fever through the intercession of Saint Peter the Apostle. These extraordinary events further solidified Bertulf's reputation as a holy man and a conduit of divine grace. Saint Bertulf departed from this earthly life on the 19th of August, 640, due to natural causes. He was interred next to Saint Colombanus in the church of the abbey of Saint Colombano in Bobbio, Italy. However, in 1482, his remains were re-interred in a stone sarcophagus in the crypt of the basilica of Saint Colombano. This crypt, along with an altar and a shrine, underwent renovation and was reopened to the public in 1910, allowing pilgrims and believers to honor and seek the intercession of Saint Bertulf. Although Saint Bertulf of Luxeuil was never officially designated as a patron saint, his steadfast commitment to the faith and his exemplary life serve as an inspiration to all Catholics. His unwavering dedication to the monastic life, his defense of orthodox Christian teachings, and his miraculous interventions highlight his remarkable sanctity. As a faithful servant of God, Saint Bertulf's memory continues to be honored and his intercession sought by believers to this day.