Saints and Blesseds

Blessed Hugh Of Fosse, First Abbot of Prémontré

February 10

Hugh was born probably in the year 1093 at Fosse in present-day Belgium. Little is known of his early years. He joined the canonical chapter at Fosse and eventually found his way into the service of Burchard, bishop of Cambray. Hugh was present when Burchard encountered Norbert at Valenciennes in 1119. The bishop was in his study with Hugh when the porter announced that there was a beggar at the door who insisted on seeing the bishop. The bishop told the porter to bring the man in. When the pilgrim beggar, Norbert, entered, Burchard gaped with unbelieving surprise. This was the turning point in Hugh's life. He could only guess what a transformation had taken place in Norbert's life from the amazement of his bishop, and he pressed Burchard for further details. Hearing Norbert's story, Hugh felt called to be his companion. A few days later Norbert fell sick at Valenciennes, and Burchard appointed Hugh to nurse him back to health. During the days of Norbert's convalescence, he spoke to Hugh frequently of the things of God. He instructed him especially in the virtues of humility, simplicity, obedience, chastity, and poverty. The ancient life of St. Norbert relates: "Norbert, who was advanced in the things of God, repeated these and similar instructions to Hugh many times daily, and constantly encouraged him." Hugh became the first disciple to persevere in the company and work of St. Norbert. In the year 1121 they began, with the help of other companions, to make the first foundation of the Norbertine Order in the valley of Prémontré in northern France. Early in the work of foundation Norbert appointed Hugh as prior of Prémontré. In 1128 Norbert named Hugh as his successor at Prémontré and first abbot of the mother abbey. Out of humility, Hugh never sighned his name as "abbot" but as "servant of God and of Norbert." He applied himself to building a strong community life at Prémontré, which became a model for other houses of the Order. He convoked the General Chapter annually at Prémontré and also directed the first codification of the Order's customs and liturgical practices. Hugh died in 1164 after 36 years as abbot of Prémontré. He is pictured in the garb of an abbot holding his book of laws which governed the early life of the order.

PRAYER

God, eternal Father, you gave marvelous increase and strength to the Norbertine Order through the gifts of your servant, the abbot Hugh. Through his intercession grant that we may remain ever faithful to the imitation of his friend and companion St. Norbert, and so one day come to share with them both in the glory of life everlasting. We ask this through Christ our Lord, AMEN.

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Reprinted with permission of St. Michael's Abbey, Orange, California, U.S.A.