St Aelred of Rievaulx – The Patron of Friendship and Abbot of Rievaulx

ST. AELRED OF RIEVAULX

St Aelred of Rievaulx (1110–1167) was a Cistercian monk and abbot known for his deep spirituality and writings on Christian friendship. Originally a courtier in the service of King David I of Scotland, he left worldly life to join the Cistercian Order at Rievaulx Abbey, later becoming its abbot. His works, particularly Spiritual Friendship and The Mirror of Charity, emphasize love, unity, and the path to holiness. His leadership strengthened monastic life, and he remains a model of compassion and wisdom.

St Aelred of Rievaulx was born in 1110 in Hexham, Northumbria, England. He was the son of a priest—a common occurrence before clerical celibacy was strictly enforced. Educated in the court of King David I of Scotland, he was admired for his intelligence, diplomacy, and integrity. However, despite his promising career in royal service, Aelred felt a deep calling to religious life.

At the age of 24, he left the court and entered Rievaulx Abbey, a Cistercian monastery in Yorkshire, founded in 1132. The Cistercian Order, known for its austerity and devotion, provided Aelred with the environment to develop his spiritual life. His talent for leadership soon became apparent, and he was appointed novice master, guiding new monks in the rigors of monastic discipline and prayer.

Aelred’s wisdom and ability to foster deep, spiritual relationships led to his election as abbot of Rievaulx in 1147. Under his guidance, the abbey flourished, growing to house nearly 600 monks. His leadership emphasized not only monastic discipline but also the importance of brotherly love and mutual support within the community.

One of his most famous writings, Spiritual Friendship, explores the role of friendship as a path to divine love. Aelred believed that true friendship, rooted in Christ, was a gift from God and a means to grow in holiness. His other great work, The Mirror of Charity, reflects on Christian love, humility, and the pursuit of perfection in monastic life. These writings secured his place as one of the greatest medieval spiritual writers.

Despite his growing influence, Aelred lived a life of humility and suffering. He endured chronic illness in his later years but bore his pain with patience and faith. He continued to guide and inspire his monks until his death on January 12, 1167. Though never formally canonized, he was venerated as a saint, and his feast day is celebrated on January 12.

St Aelred’s teachings on love and friendship remain profoundly relevant, offering a vision of faith rooted in compassion and community. His life reminds us that holiness is not only found in solitude but in the bonds we cultivate with others in Christ.

Feast Day

12-1-

Birth Date

--1110

Died Date

12-1-1167

Canonised Date

--

Rievaulx Abbey, England

Saint Rievaulx, faithful servant of God, You who lived in humility and devotion, Guide us in our journey of faith. Intercede for us, that we may follow your example of piety and trust in God's will. May your prayers bring us peace, strength, and the grace to live our lives in service to others. Amen.
ST. AELRED OF RIEVAULX

Video Not Found

ST. AELRED OF RIEVAULX

The information on this website is compiled from various trusted sources. While we aim for accuracy, some details may be incomplete or contain discrepancies.

If you notice any errors or have additional information about this saint, please use the form on the left to share your suggestions. Your input helps us improve and maintain reliable content for everyone.

All submissions are reviewed carefully, and your personal details will remain confidential. Thank you for contributing to the accuracy and value of this resource.

Credits & Acknowledgments

Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
US Catholic (Faith in Real Life) – Informational articles
Wikipedia – General reference content and images
Anastpaul.com – Saint images and reflections
Pravachaka Sabdam (Malayalam) – Saint-related content and insights

We sincerely thank these authors and platforms for their valuable contributions. If we have unintentionally missed any attribution, please notify us, and we will make the correction promptly.