Saint Philibert of Jumièges

Biography

Saint Philibert of Jumièges was born around the year 608 in Gascony, France. He was the only son of a member of the court of King Dagobert I. His education was entrusted to Saint Ouen of Rouen, a renowned spiritual mentor. At the age of 20, Philibert entered Rébais Abbey as a monk. He dedicated himself to a life of prayer, study, and service to others. His devotion and wisdom were recognized, leading him to be appointed as the abbot of Rébais Abbey. During his time as an abbot, Philibert embarked on journeys to various monasteries, eager to learn from their Rules, constitutions, and management methods. This allowed him to deepen his understanding of monasticism and gather valuable insights. In a significant turn of events, King Clovis II granted Philibert a piece of land on which he founded Jumièges Abbey. Philibert, using his extensive knowledge and experience, created a Rule for the abbey which would guide the lives of its monks. Despite his positive contributions, Philibert faced opposition from Ebroin, a powerful political figure. As a result, Philibert was imprisoned and later exiled. However, this setback did not deter him from his mission. During his exile, he founded the monastery of Noirmoutier, upholding his commitment to the monastic way of life. Upon his return from exile, Philibert became the abbot of Luçon Abbey. He took on the task of establishing new monastic communities, founding the monastery of Cunaut and a convent at Pavilly. Additionally, he played an instrumental role in restoring Quinçay, which had fallen into disrepair. Saint Philibert's dedication to his faith and mission inspired many, and his influence extended beyond his immediate surroundings. The filbert, known today as the hazelnut, is said to have been named after him. This is because the nut ripens in England around the time of his feast day, August 20th. Saint Philibert passed away on the island of Héri in 684 due to natural causes. His remains were initially interred in Noirmoutier Abbey. However, when Viking invaders threatened the abbey in 836, the monks relocated with Philibert's relics, preserving them. Over the following 39 years, the relics were housed in five different abbeys before finding their final resting place in Saint Philibert Abbey in Tournus, France, in 875. Though not officially proclaimed a saint in the pre-congregation era, Saint Philibert's life and contributions to the monastic world remain revered. He serves as an inspiration for those seeking a deeper spiritual connection and a life devoted to God.