Originally from Tournai, Guerric became one of the first disciples of Saint Bernard at Clairvaux before being appointed Abbot of Igny in 1138. Recognized for his patience in illness and his oratorical talent, he left behind significant sermons and biblical commentaries despite his initial desire to destroy them out of humility.
Guided reading
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CHALONS (circa 1157).
Origins and conversion at Clairvaux
A native of Tournai and schoolmaster, Guerric joined the abbey of Clairvaux in 1134 after being deeply moved by the words of Saint Bernard.
Blessed Guerric was fr Le bienheureux Guerric Subject of biography, Cistercian abbot and spiritual author. om Tournai , a for Tournai City associated with the Diocese of Noyon. tified city in Belgium, in the Hainaut region; he became a canon and schoolmaster of that city. Hearing of Saint Bernard and saint Bernard Contemporary and admirer of Guigo. the wonders of Clairva ux, he wi Clairvaux Monastery where Guerric embraced monastic life. shed to see for himself what it was like and set out in 1134 to travel to that monastery. His intention was to return to his homeland afterward. But the words of Saint Bernard had a marvelous effect upon his heart. He embraced the monastic life and became one of the first disciples of the Abbot of Clairvaux.
The Abbacy at Igny and End of Life
Appointed abbot of Igny in 1138, he distinguished himself through his teaching and his patience in illness before passing away in 1157.
Humbert, abbot of Igny in the diocese of Châlons, having resigned from his offic e, it w Guerric Subject of biography, Cistercian abbot and spiritual author. as Guerric who came to replace him in 1138. The new abbot, following the example of his master, applied himself above all to instructing his brothers through his words and edifying them by his examples. He showed admirable patience during the long and cruel illnesses that came to assail him. When he felt his end appro aching, he had a c recueil d'homélies A collection of sermons by Guerric, saved from destruction. ollection of homilies he had composed brought to him and cast it into the fire. He feared transgressing the rule that forbids publishing anything without the assent of the general council. But his disciples had copies of them, and these copies were printed and have proven the talent of the blessed Guerric. His works offer solid morality, often novel thoughts, and sublime features. The blessed Guerric died on August 19, 1157.
Posterity and editions of his works
Despite his attempt to destroy his writings out of humility, his sermons and theological commentaries have seen numerous prestigious editions since the 16th century.
His * Sermons Sermons A collection of sermons by Guerric, saved from destruction. * have had several editions. Jean de Gaigny Jean de Gaigny Chancellor of the University of Paris and editor of the works of Guerric. , chancellor of the Church and the University of Paris, produced one of th ese editions François Ier King of France mentioned during the vision of Pavia. by order of Francis I, based on a copy from the Abbey of Vaulaisant, under the title: *Divi Guerrici abbatiae Igniacensis sermones antiqui, eruditionis et consolationis pleni*, Paris, 1539, in-8°: it was reproduced in 1547, and followed by a French translation by the same author. Another edition of these *Sermons*, corrected against ancient manuscripts, a ppeare Anvers Place of printing for an edition of the sermons in 1546. d in Antwerp in 1546; a third was printed in Paris in 1563; a fourth in Lyon in 1630. The text of the Antwerp edition was inserted into the great *Libraries of the Fathers* of Cologne and Lyon, and into the *Library of Preachers* by Father Combeïus. Trithemius attributes to Blessed Guerric a volume of *Letters*, Sanderus *Commentaries on the Psalms*, and Father Lelong a *Commentary on Saint Matthew*.
Hagiographic sources
The entry is based on the works of the continuators of Godescard.
Cf. Continuators of G odescard. Godescard Hagiographer cited as a source.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Canon and schoolmaster in Tournai
- Visit to Clairvaux in 1134 and conversion to monastic life
- Becomes a disciple of Saint Bernard
- Appointed Abbot of Igny in 1138
- Composition of sermons and homilies
- Attempted destruction of his writings out of humility before his death
Quotes
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Divi Guerrici abbatiae Igniacensis sermones antiqui, eruditionis et consolationis pleni
Title of the 1539 edition