A canon of Saint-Ruf in Valence, Étienne de Bourg joined Saint Bruno to found the Carthusian Order in 1084. After thirty-three years of eremitic life, he founded the Charterhouse of Meyria in 1116 at the command of his prior. He died there in 1118, leaving behind a reputation for holiness confirmed by miracles.
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SAINT ÉTIENNE DE BOURG
Vocation and desire for solitude
Étienne de Bourg began his religious life as a canon at Saint-Ruf in Valence, but he was quickly drawn to a life of deeper solitude.
Saint Étienne de Bourg Saint Étienne de Bourg Subject of the biography, canon and co-founder of the Carthusian Order. was a canon of Sai nt-Ruf, i Saint-Ruf Abbey to which the priory of Saint-Félix was incorporated in the 14th century. n Va lence, Valence Place of Ismidon's early studies. in the Dauphiné. Nothing was more edifying than his life in that house. But solitude, where, as Origen says, the air is purer, the heavens more open, and where God communicates with greater familiarity, solitude charmed him and drew him irresistibly.
The meeting with Saint Bruno
Accompanied by Étienne de Die, he joined Saint Bruno at Sèche-Fontaine under the spiritual direction of Saint Robert of Molesmes.
Accompanied by another canon of Saint-Ruf, named Ét ienne de Die, Étienne de Die Canon of Saint-Ruf and companion of Stephen of Bourg. he went to Sèche-Fontaine, in the diocese of Langres, where Sain t Bruno, wi saint Bruno Founder of the Carthusian Order. th a few companions, had already begun to lead the eremitic life. Saint Rob ert, abbot o Saint Robert Founder of the Abbey of Molesme and first abbot of Cîteaux. f Molesmes, had attracted them there and had given them a rule.
The foundation of the Grande-Chartreuse
Étienne proposes the Chartreuse desert to Saint Bruno. With the support of Bishop Hugh of Grenoble, they founded the monastery there in 1084.
However, Saint Bruno did not find this solitude wild enough: so the two newcomers proposed that he go and settle in a desert in the diocese of Grenoble called Chartreuse. They assured Saint Bruno that he would be pleased with the harshness and aridity of this retreat. They added that Hugh, Bishop of Grenob le, a great friend of the Hugues, évêque de Grenoble Bishop of Grenoble and friend of Ponce. religious life, would be happy to see them settle in his diocese.
Saint Bruno, persuaded, set out with his companions; the pilgrims were seven in number; warned by a mysterious dream, Saint Hugh received them with transports of joy and led them to the Chartreuse; they arrived there on Saint John's Day in the year 1084. On this same day, the foundation of the Grande-Chartreuse Grande-Chartreuse Place of retreat for Geoffroy in 1114. was begun.
Foundation of Meyria and end of life
After 33 years at the Charterhouse, Étienne founded the Charterhouse of Meyria in 1116 before passing away in 1118.
Saint Étienne de Bourg spent thirty-three years of his life there. This period having expired, God, before calling him to Himself, wished to have him crown his career with the work of an important foundation. At the request of the blessed Ponce de Balmey, his relative, Dom Guigue, his prior, gave him the order to go and found a C harter Meyria Monastery founded by Étienne de Bourg in 1116. house at Meyria. It was begun in 1116; it was populated by a flourishing colony of religious two years later, when its holy founder left it (January 4, 1118) for the heavenly dwelling. Miracles occurred at his tomb. The Charterhouse of Meyria lasted until 1792, always governed by men eminent in virtue and holiness. This date of 1792 says enough about whose hands destroyed it; it is now nothing more than a heap of ruins.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Canon at Saint-Ruf of Valence
- Joined Saint Bruno at Sèche-Fontaine
- Settled at the Grande-Chartreuse on Saint John's Day 1084
- Thirty-three year stay at the Grande-Chartreuse
- Foundation of the Charterhouse of Meyria in 1116
Miracles
- Miracles performed at his tomb after his death