Saint Maurilio of Rouen

Biography

Saint Maurilio of Rouen, also known as Maurilius or Maurille, was born around the year 1000 to a noble Gallic family in the diocese of Rheims, France. Showing great intellectual promise, he pursued his theological studies in Liege, Belgium, and in Saxony, modern-day Germany. Maurilio eventually became a member of the cathedral chapter of Halberstadt. By 1030, Maurilio had entered the monastic life and joined the community at Fécamp, France. However, after some time, he felt called to embrace solitude and withdrew to live as a hermit in Vallombrosa, Italy. During this period of seclusion, Maurilio devoted himself to prayer, contemplation, and deepening his spiritual life. Maurilio's reputation for wisdom and holiness spread far and wide, catching the attention of the Marquis Bonifacio. Impressed by Maurilio's virtues and leadership qualities, the Marquis summoned him to become the abbot of San Maria abbey in Florence, Italy. However, the monks at San Maria strongly resisted Maurilio's attempts at implementing reforms. The animosity towards him grew to the point where the monks attempted to poison him. Surviving the poisoning attempt, Maurilio returned to the community at Fécamp. His piety and dedication had caught the attention of Duke William the Conqueror of Normandy, who appointed him as the archbishop of Rouen in 1055. As archbishop, Maurilio worked tirelessly to restore discipline among his priests and to foster unity within the diocese. In addition to his pastoral duties, Maurilio presided over various councils and played a vital role in reconciling warring families and feudal houses. He also organized efforts to combat the menace of highway robbers and brigands, uniting the communities to defend their lands and keep their people safe. Maurilio's influence as archbishop extended beyond his own diocese. He had a profound impact on Saint Anselm of Canterbury, helping him discern and answer his own call to religious life. Throughout his life, Maurilio displayed a deep devotion to God and a desire to build sacred spaces. He constructed numerous churches, including consecrating the Cathedral of Rouen in 1063 and the abbey church of Jumièges on July 1, 1067. Saint Maurilio passed away on August 9, 1067, from natural causes. Legend tells of a remarkable event surrounding his funeral, where as his body was being transported to the local church, he suddenly sat up and delivered a vivid account of what he had witnessed in the afterlife. He recounted scenes near Jerusalem, bustling with throngs of saints, as well as places of torment inhabited by demons and the damned suffering in Hell. With a solemn warning to his clergy to protect their souls, Maurilio then lay down for the final time. He was laid to rest in the Rouen Cathedral, though his tomb was sadly destroyed by Huguenots in 1562. While no specific patronage is attributed to Saint Maurilio, his life serves as an inspiring example of steadfastness, piety, and dedication to the Church. His memory is honored on August 9 in the Benedictine Martyrology.