Biography

Aelred of Rievaulx was born in 1110 in the United Kingdom. His father was a priest. At age 14 Aelred became a steward of King David of Scotland. As part of his responsibilities, he was sent as a diplomat representing the King to others. One of his diplomatic trips brought him to Rievaulx where he became enamored with the life and work of being a monk. He relished the three pillars of being a monk: prayer, study, and manual labor. At age 24 he became an English Cistercian Monk in Rievoulx. His Abbot (William) recognized his diplomatic skills and sent him to the Pope on behalf of the monastery. Aelred was also a theologian, preacher, and author. One of his books, The Mirror of Charity, describes the difficulties and blessings of being a monk. Aelred died in 1167 in Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Today he is the Patron Saint of Bladder Stone Sufferers.

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer