Fulbert of Chartres

Biographical Details:

  • Lived 952-1028 A.D.

Biography:

Fulbert of Chartres, born around 952 A.D., was a prominent bishop, theologian, and scholar. In the 980s, he studied at the cathedral school in Rheims, where his fellow students included future Pope Sylvester II (Gerbert of Aurillac) and King Robert II (the Pious), who would become King of France. Fulbert’s education in Rheims under Gerbert laid the groundwork for his intellectual development and future leadership in the Church. Around 1006, Fulbert became bishop of Chartres, during a period of social unrest as the year 1000 approached, with many fearing the apocalypse.

At the cathedral school in Chartres, Fulbert was known for his Marian devotion and his ecclesiastical reforms. His most famous sermon, Approbate Consuetudinis, emphasized the importance of the Feast of Mary’s Nativity, contributing to the growing Marian devotion in medieval Christianity.  He further developed theology surrounding Mary’s role as Theotokos (God-Bearer) or “Mother of God” and her expanded role as the mother of all believers in Christ.  He saw this role of Mary as our mother as indicating her maternal disposition towards interceding on our behalf.  Fulbert’s own life was touched by a Marian miracle: when he was gravely ill, he believed the Virgin Mary healed him with a drop of milk due to his devotion.

Fulbert wrote numerous letters, including a famous one to Duke William V of Aquitaine on the duties of feudal lords and vassals. He also wrote to fellow churchmen on liturgical matters such as the appointment of bishops, excommunication, and clerical obedience. His reforms focused on the moral and spiritual improvement of clergy, paving the way for broader reforms under future Pope Gregory VII.

Fulbert’s extant works include letters, poems, hymns, and sermons, showcasing his theological insight and pastoral care. He died in 1028, leaving behind a legacy of reform, scholarship, and deep Marian devotion, which shaped the Church for centuries to come.

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Extant Writings:

  • Numerous letters, hymns, poems, and sermons 

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Quotes and Excerpts:

On Mary’s Immaculate Conception:

“The birth of the blessed Mother of the Lord and Ever-Virgin Mary was foretold by oracles before she was born. And, foretold by miraculous events, she was born of parents chosen by God.  She shone brightly by the privilege of her virtues. She gave birth to the Savior, by whom she was glorified in heaven, and she has never ceased to exercise her patronage in favor of the inhabitants of earth.” –Sermon 4 in Nativitate B. V. M.; PL I4I, 320C; TMPM 3:848.

“There is no doubt that, in this necessary conception, a vivifying and inflaming spirit filled each of her parents with a singular gift and that they never lacked the watchful presence of the holy angels.” –Sermon 6 in Nativitate B. V. M.; PL 141, 326C.

On the Assumption of Mary:

“But later, when pious Christians wished to look upon the remains of his (that is, the Lord’s) Mother, they found her tomb empty. But when they looked inside the tomb of blessed John, they found nothing except manna.  And so Christian piety believes that Christ, who is God and Son of God, raised his Mother gloriously and lifted her up above the heavens, and that blessed John, virgin and evangelist, who ministered to her on earth, merited to share her glory in heaven. While words cannot tell what great grace and glory the Lord gave to his Mother, nevertheless we do know for certain that whatever the just ask of him, they will obtain right speedily through the intercession of his Mother, and we also know that sinners have quite often obtained mercy through her intercession.” Fulbert of Chartres, Sermo 5; PL I4I, 325AB; TMPM 3:855

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