St. Robert
St. Robert [1]
Robert (St.),
founder of the Order of Citeaux, was born at Champagne in 1018. At the age of fifteen he entered the Convent of Moutier-la-Celle, near Troyes, of which he afterwards became prior. Later he was abbot of St. Michel de Tonnerre; and while prior of St. Ayrul de Provins, Alexander II ordered him to take charge of the hermits of Colan. Finding this solitude very unhealthful, Robert conducted the recluses to the desert of Molesne, where in 1075 he founded a convent in honor of the Virgin. The laxity of discipline and decline of piety, however, caused him to leave Molesne, with twenty companions, and establish himself at Citeaux, near Dijon. In 1098 he erected a monastery, and was its first abbot. He was recalled to Molesne, and succeeded in reviving the spirit of asceticism. He died March 21,1110. Sermons, Letters, and a Chronicle of Citeaux are attributed to Robert. His festival is celebrated April 29.
