Saint Gilbert
Feastday: October 26
“Let the children come to Me, and do not prevent them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”(Matthew 19:14)
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Gilbert founded a cloister of Norbertine canonesses for his wife and daughter, who successively led the community and died with a reputation for holiness. After making his novitiate at the Norbertine Abbey of Dilo, he founded the Abbey of Neuffontaines, becoming its first abbot. Concerned for the impoverished both in soul and body, Gilbert along established a hospital for the poor, in which he spent much time in the hospital. He had the gift of healing, especially of children. As his fame spread, many parents brought their handicapped and sick children from far away to be healed, and the custom of asking Gilbert’s intercession for miracles continued after his death in 1152. (Saint drawings courtesy of Saint Norbert Abbey, De Pere, Wisconsin.) |
Gilbert was a noble knight of Auvergne, who fought in the Second Crusade (1145-1147), leading the crusaders to one of their few great victories. After this crusade as a whole ended in a military disaster, Gilbert, dismayed by the spirit of the world he had witnessed, was inspired to “take up the Cross” in a more spiritual combat. Together with his wife, Petronilla, and daughter, Pontia, he decided to sell what he had, give to the poor, and follow Christ in the Norbertine Order.
"God, who called Your abbot St. Gilbert away from the riches of the world, so that he might enter into the way of poverty, grant, we beseech You, that entering into the way of humility, we may strive to serve our brothers. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen."
– Prayer in honor of St. Gilbert
