Born of the royal blood of France, perhaps the last of the Carolingians, Aldric renounced his nobility to become a shepherd at the Premonstratensian convent of Fussenich. He died in the odor of sanctity at only twenty years of age. His relics were saved from a fire in 1642 and transferred to Zülpich.
Guided reading
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SAINT ELRIC OR ALDRIC, SHEPHERD (1200).
Origin and vocation
Aldric, from the Carolingian royal lineage, renounces his rank to request hospitality and service at the Premonstratensian convent of Fussenich.
Who is this traveler advancing through the middle of the Fussenich valley, in the archbishopric of Cologne, and coming to knock at the door of the Premonstratensian convent? Is he a lost horseman or a pious pilgrim? By his distinguished air, the portress sister must have taken him for a great lord, weary, who had come to ask the monastery for a night's hospita lity, Aldric Saint of royal origin who became a shepherd out of humility at the convent of Fussenich. for Aldric was of high birth, descended from the ro France Country where Lambert pursued his studies under famous masters. yal blood of France, perhap s the last of Carlovingiens Royal dynasty of which Aldric is said to be one of the last representatives. the Carolingians. What, then, was the astonishment of the nuns when the stranger asked to take up service at the convent? One comp-
Humble life and early death
Accepted as a simple herdsman, he led a life of humility before passing away prematurely at the age of twenty.
MARTYROLOGIES, 357 understood that the spirit of God had breathed upon this soul. His humility must have been satisfied, for he was entrusted with the care of the herds, and his sacrifice was most pleasing to the Lord, since He called him to Himself at the beginning of his career, barely twenty years of age.
Cult and relics
Recognized for his holiness, his remains were first placed in Fussenich and then transferred to Zulpich after the fire of 1642.
In a few years, he had completed a long course: his holiness was doubted by no one; thus he was buried in the choir of the church of Fussenich, not far from the relics of the Blessed raised upon the altars. The remains of Saint Aldric w ere saved fr saint Aldric Saint of royal origin who became a shepherd out of humility at the convent of Fussenich. om the fire that consumed the convent in 1642 and transferred to Zulpich. The diocese of Cologne formerly diocèse de Cologne Archiepiscopal see and burial place of the saint. celebrated his feast on February 6.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Arrival at the Premonstratensian convent of Fussenich
- Humble request for service despite his high birth
- Guardian of the monastery herds
- Died at the age of twenty
- Translation of relics to Zulpich after the fire of 1642