Saint Robert of Molesme, also known as Robert of Cîteaux, was born in 1027 near Troyes, Champagne, in modern-day France. He hails from a noble French family and dedicated himself early on to a life of religious service. In 1044, he became a Benedictine monk and joined the monastery of Molesme. After his time at Molesme, Robert served as the prior of Moutiers-la-Celle Abbey and later became the abbot of Saint-Michel-de-Tonnerre. However, he found the standards at Saint-Michel-de-Tonnerre to be lax, and so he became the prior of Saint-Ayeul Abbey. In 1075, Robert and a group of hermits from the forests around Colan, France, sought to return to a simpler form of Benedictine life. Together, they founded the monastery at Molesme in Burgundy. Robert and the group gained a reputation for their piety, which led to generous bequests and an increase in the size of the monastery. However, with the growth of the community, internal difficulties arose. Many brothers began objecting to the severe lifestyle practiced by the founders. Robert, on two occasions, left Molesme to live on his own, seeking a more solitary and ascetic existence. However, he was called back to his position by the Pope. In early 1098, Robert, along with Saint Stephen Harding, Saint Alberic of Cîteaux, and 18 other monks, left Molesme to establish a new monastery near Dijon, France. On 21 March, they founded the monastery of Cîteaux with the goal of strictly adhering to the Benedictine Rule, embracing vows of poverty, and engaging in frequent retreats. Robert served as the first abbot of Cîteaux. Meanwhile, conditions at Molesme had deteriorated, and in 1100, Robert was reassigned as abbot there with a mandate to reform the monastery. He dedicated the rest of his life to the work of revitalizing Molesme and bringing it back to its original purpose. Saint Robert of Molesme is considered one of the founders of the Cistercian Order, which emerged from the reform movement at Cîteaux. The new order placed a strong emphasis on simplicity, poverty, manual labor, and the pursuit of a contemplative life. The Cistercians became known for their austere lifestyle and played a significant role in the medieval European monastic tradition. During his time at Molesme, Saint Robert worked diligently to restore the monastery's discipline and spirituality. He focused on promoting the ideals of poverty, humility, and rigorous observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict. Through his efforts, Molesme regained its reputation as a center of piety and monastic life. Saint Robert of Molesme died on 21 March 1110, having dedicated his life to serving and reforming the Church. His commitment to a strict religious life and his role in the establishment of Cîteaux and the Cistercian Order had a lasting impact on the monastic tradition in Europe. Pope Honorius III recognized the sanctity and contributions of Saint Robert, and he was canonized in 1222. Today, Saint Robert of Molesme is commemorated on 17 April, with some calendars also observing his feast day on 29 April. Additionally, he is honored on 26 January as one of the Founders of the Cistercians. While Saint Robert does not have a specific patronage associated with him, his legacy lives on through the enduring influence of the Cistercian Order.
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