Catholic Saints St. Aelred of Riveaulx
Jan 12, 2026
Dr. Elizabeth Klein, a theology professor and expert on saints, dives into the life of St. Aelred of Rievaulx, a 12th-century Cistercian monk. She describes Aelred's transformative journey from the Scottish court to monastic life, influenced by Augustine's Confessions. Klein highlights Aelred's profound writings on Christian friendship, viewing it as the ultimate goal of communal life. Rich stories of compassion, like Aelred's care for a troubled monk, showcase his nurturing spirit. Ultimately, Klein encourages cultivating such friendships as a pathway to a deeper love of Christ.
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Formative Power Of Sacred Texts
- Aelred's turn to monastic life was sparked by Augustine's Confessions and John's Gospel which he carried constantly.
- His spiritual formation shows how saints can form deep bonds through shared texts and devotion.
Cistercian Renewal Context
- The 12th-century Cistercians sought to renew Benedictine fidelity and rapidly expanded across Europe.
- Aelred served within this energetic reform movement that emphasized simplicity and communal rigor.
Friendship Reframed By Christ
- Aelred wrote on Christian friendship and used both Augustine and Cicero to frame it theologically.
- He argued Cicero's model lacked Christ and proposed communal love like Acts 4:32 as its fulfillment.
