Explore the life of Saint Alerid of Rivo, a Cistercian monk, and his emphasis on Christian friendship. Learn about his progression within the monastic life and his exceptional compassion towards others. Discover the importance of genuine support and understanding in Christian friendships.
St. Aelred emphasized the importance of Christian friendship in monastic life, highlighting communal bonds and compassion.
Walter Daniel's defense of exaggerated descriptions in Aelred's miracles provides insight into hagiographers' symbolic storytelling methods.
Deep dives
Saint Alerid of Revo: A 12th Century Cistercian Abbot in England
Saint Alerid of Revo, a 12th century Cistercian Abbot in England, was a kindred spirit to Dr. Elizabeth Klein, who met Alerid during her PhD studies. Inspired by Saint Augustine's confessions, Alerid abandoned his secular career to become a monk. He embraced the Cistercian order, known for its renewal of Benedictine practices, and his life emphasized the authentic monastic lifestyle.
Aylred's Emphasis on Christian Friendship and Compassion
Aylred's life highlighted the importance of Christian friendship and compassion. He wrote a work on Christian friendship, emphasizing the communal aspect of monastic life as a perfection of Christian friendship. Aylred's compassionate nature was revealed in his interactions with monks, including an unstable monk whom he shepherded and ministered to, displaying unwavering commitment to the salvation and well-being of his brothers.
Walter Daniel's Account and Defense of Aylred's Miracles
Walter Daniel's account of Aylred's life faced criticism from some priests who doubted the authenticity of the miracles described. In response, Walter defended the hyperbolic nature of his descriptions, highlighting the symbolic significance behind the exaggerated portrayals. This insight offers a glimpse into the hagiographers' perspectives on saint narratives, shedding light on their intentions and storytelling methods.
Dr. Elizabeth Klein and Taylor Kemp explore the life of St. Aelred of Rieveaulx, a famous Cistercian monk from the 12th century. St. Aelred writes about the perfection of Christian friendship, while witnessing to it by his own life. His feast day is January 12.