Aelred of Rievaulx

Biographical Details:

  • Lived 1110-1167 A.D.

Biography:

Aelred of Rievaulx was a 12th-century Cistercian monk and abbot, known for his deep spirituality, theological insight, and leadership within the monastic community. Born in 1110 in Hexham, Northumbria, Aelred grew up in a noble family and was educated at the court of King David I of Scotland, where he served for a time. Despite the promising career ahead of him in secular life, he chose to join the Cistercian Order at the abbey of Rievaulx in Yorkshire around 1134. His decision was influenced by the monastic reform movement and the teachings of Bernard of Clairvaux, with whom Aelred had a close relationship.

Aelred quickly gained a reputation for his wisdom and holiness, and by 1147, he became the abbot of Rievaulx, a position he held until his death in 1167. Under his leadership, Rievaulx Abbey flourished and became one of the most important monastic centers in England. Aelred is particularly remembered for his writings on Christian spirituality, love, and friendship, which emphasized the importance of community, charity, and the love of God.

Aelred’s spirituality was deeply influenced by the ideals of Cistercian monasticism, focusing on humility, love, and personal relationship with God. His works had a lasting influence on Christian thought, especially in their exploration of the themes of friendship and charity, both central to his vision of monastic life.

His extant writings include several influential books on spirituality, among them Speculum caritatis (“The Mirror of Charity”), De spiritali amicitia (“On Spiritual Friendship”), De Jesu puero duodenni (“On the Boy Jesus at Twelve”), Genealogia regum Anglorum (“Genealogy of the Kings of the English”), De Institutione Inclusarum (“The Formation of Recluses”), and Vita sancti

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Extant Writings:

  • Speculum caritatis (“The Mirror of Charity”)
  • De spiritali amicitia (“On Spiritual Friendship”)
  • De Jesu puero duodenni (“On the Boy Jesus at Twelve”)
  • Genealogia regum Anglorum (“Genealogy of the Kings of the English”)
  • De Institutione Inclusarum (“The Formation of Recluses”)
  • Vita sancti

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Quotes and Excerpts: