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Icon of St. Philibert, abbot
of
Jumièges in Normandy, + 684
Feast: Aug. 20
St. Philibert of Jumièges (c.
608–684) was an abbot and monastic founder. He was born in Gascony the
only son of a courtier of Dagobert I and was educated by St. Owen
(Audoenus). Later he entered the monastery of Rebais as a monk, and was
promoted to abbot, but his inexperience was too great for the position.
He left and spent some time travelling 'round monasteries studying
their rules and constitutions.
In 654, Philibert received a gift of land from Clovis II on which he
founded Jumièges Abbey. He drew up a Rule, based on his studies for
this and for his later foundations, drawing on several earlier Rules,
including those of St. Benedict, St. Columbanus, St. Macarius, and St.
Basil the Great.
For a time Philibert lost the favour of St. Owen and the royal family,
and was exiled. He withdrew to Poitiers and near Heriou he established
the monastery of Noirmoutier (Blackminster) whereupon Ansoald, bishop
of Poitiers, put his own foundation of Luçon Abbey under Philibert's
authority as well. When he regained the favour of his patrons,
Philibert founded other houses, including the monastery of Cunaut and
the famed nunnery at Pavilly.
Philibert reposed, and was buried, at Heriou. But in 836 the monks of
Noirmoutier abandoned their home in the face of Viking attacks. They
sought refuge on the mainland, and in 875 finally settled with the
relics of Philibert in the abbey at Tournai named in his honour, where
the great church of St Philibert at Tournai still stands. The filbert,
or hazelnut, is said to have been named for him, since it ripens about
August 20 in England. His feast is found in Western Rite service books published
by St. Hilarion Press. Holy Venerable Philibert, pray to
God for us!
Icon is of unknown
provenance.
Beneath Icon: a picture of the ruins of Jumièges Abbey, where the
praises of God continually had resounded. Beneath that is shown the
reliquary in which the holy indwelt Relics of the Saints rest.
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