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 you see here may be either accurate or might contain some discrepancies, as it is gathered from various sources. If you believe that any part of the details about this saint is incorrect or incomplete, we kindly invite you to share your suggestions or corrections with us. Your insights are invaluable in helping us ensure that we provide the most accurate and reliable information.

We encourage you to use the form on the left to submit any corrections or additional information you may have. Whether it's a small detail or a larger correction, we will carefully review your submission and update the information accordingly. Your contributions will not only help us maintain the integrity of the content but also benefit others who seek to learn more about this saint. We greatly appreciate your assistance in making our information more accurate and complete.

Please rest assured that your personal details will remain confidential, and your suggestions will be handled with the utmost care. Together, we can ensure that the information about this saint is as accurate and informative as possible. Thank you for your time and contribution!