Gilbert of Neuffontaines, St.

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GILBERT OF NEUFFONTAINES, ST.

Premonstratensian prior; b. Auvergne, c. 1100; d. abbey of Neuffontaines (Neuffons), June 6, 1152. After the failure of the Second crusade (114749) he gave half his possessions to the poor, and with the other half he rebuilt a convent for women at Aubeterre in 1150 and a monastery for men at Neuffontaines, both premonstratensian houses. The hospital and monastery completed, he joined the order in 1150 and in 1151 became the first prior, ruling wisely and living virtuously. Many cures are attributed to his intercession, especially benefiting children. In 1159 Gilbert's body was transferred to the abbey church, renamed for him. It was lost during the French Revolution. His cult was officially approved in 1725, his feast being observed on June 1 at Clermont in the Norbertine church, to which some relics had been transferred in 1615.

Feast: June 6 (formerly Oct. 26).

Bibliography: Acta Sanctorum June 1:749754. c. l. hugo, S. Ordinis Praemonstratensis annales 1:743746. g. marsot, Catholicisme 5:9.

[m. j. madaj]