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ST BERCHARIUS OF HAUTVILLERS, ABBOT AND MARTYR - 16 OCTOBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN OCTOBER

Saints celebrated on the 16th of October

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ST BERCHARIUS OF HAUTVILLERS, ABBOT AND MARTYR

Saint Bercharius (Bererus) was abbot of Hautvillers in Champagne, born in 636; died March 28, 696. Descended from a distinguished Aquitanian family, he received his instruction from St Nivardus (Nivo), Archbishop of Reims, under whose charge he advanced rapidly in virtue and learning. 

Believing himself called to the sacred ministry, he entered the monastery of Luxeuil under St Walbert, and by his humble and faithful performance of duty soon excelled his fellow-novices. 

Upon his return to Reims he induced St Nivard to erect the cloister of Hautvillers, of which Bercharius himself became the first abbot. 

Wholly given up to prayer and meditation he also instructed his brethren to lead a contemplative life. Ever zealous for the propagation of the Faith, he founded two cloisters in the Diocese of Châlons-sur-Marne, the one (Puisye or Moutier-en-Der) for men, the other (Pellmoutier, Puellarum Monasterium) for women. These institutions he enriched by donations of valuable relics, procured on a journey to Rome and the Holy Land. 

The monk Daguin, provoked by a reprimand from Bercharius, stabbed him during the night. No word of complaint or censure did he utter when the murderer was led before him; but he gloried in exhorting the transgressor to penance and in requesting him to make a pilgrimage to Rome to obtain pardon and absolution. Daguin left the monastery never to return. After two days of severe suffering, the saint succumbed to his wound, a martyr not for the Faith, indeed, but for charity and justice. His remains were preserved at Moutier-en-Der until the suppression of religious orders at the close of the eighteenth century. The commemoration of his name occurs in the Martyrology on October 16.

Source: Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Bercharius may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.


























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