August 20 – Saint Philibert of Jumièges

August 20, 2012

Saint Philibert of Jumièges (c. 608–684) was the only son of a Frankish noble, a courtier of Dagobert I. He was educated at court by Saint Ouen and entered monastic life at Rebais and was elected abbot at the age of 20.

In 654, St. Philibert received a gift of land from Clovis II on which he founded Jumièges Abbey. He drew up a Rule for this abbey which he used for the religious institutions he later came to govern or founded. He founded the monastery of Noirmoutier, was made superior of Luçon Abbey by the bishop of Poitiers, founded the monastery of Cunaut and the nunnery at Pavilly.

Ruins of the Abbey Jumièges

During the convulsions that racked France during the French Revolution, his abbey of Jumièges was destroyed.

The filbert, or hazelnut, was named after him, as it ripens in England around the time of his feast day, August 20.

Share

Previous post:

Next post: