January 12

Aelred of Rievaulx (1109-1167) monk
Aelred was appreciated for his wisdom, his attention to each person's gifts, and his skill in making the community grow in unity

Aelred of Rievaulx (1109-1167) monk

Aelred was born in Hexham, England in 1109, into a family of longstanding religious tradition.
He was raised at the court of the King of Scotland, and in 1133 he made a sudden decision to enter the Cistercian monastery of Rievaulx, which he had seen during a mission he had carried out for the king.
His sensitivity, generosity, sincere love, and willingness to show all of the dimensions of the affectus of his heart made Aelred popular with all.
After guiding the new Cistercian foundation of Revesby for three years, Aelred returned to Rievaulx as abbot, and held this post until his death. He was appreciated for his wisdom, his attention to each person's gifts, and his skill in making the community grow in unity by incorporating the different charisms God had granted to each of his brothers.
At the request of Bernard of Clairvaux, who shared a close spiritual bond with the abbot of Rievaulx, Aelred left several written reflections of rare depth and lucidity on the value of friendship and Christian love.
He died on January 12, 1167, in his abbey.