Blessed Hatta
Abbot of Saint-Vaast
A disciple of Saint Amand at the monastery of Blandinberg, Hatta was called in 685 by King Theuderic III and Bishop Vindicien to lead the abbey of Saint-Vaast in Arras. Recognized for his wisdom and fervor, he established the Rule of Saint Benedict there and maintained exemplary discipline until his death around 699.
Guided reading
6 reading sections
BLESSED HATTA, ABBOT OF SAINT-VAAST (699).
Appointment to the Abbey of Saint-Vaast
In 685, King Theuderic III and Bishop Vindicien entrusted the leadership of the Abbey of Saint-Vaast in Arras to the Blessed Hatta.
We see, in the life of Saint Aubert, that this pontiff had begun the construction of the Abbey of Saint-Vaast in Arras on the site of the oratory, where this apostle of the Atrebates was accustomed to withdraw to pray, and where his body was subsequently transported. It was Saint Vindicien, his successor, who governed it for some years; but in 685, this prelate, in concert with Theuderic III, King of the Franks, called upon the Blessed Hatt bienheureux Hatta First abbot of Saint-Vaast. a, whose virtue and wisdom they had heard praised, to entrust him with the direction of this important abbey.
Origins and formation under Saint Amand
Hatta was trained at the monastery of Blandinberg under the guidance of Saint Amand, whose virtues he strove to imitate.
Hatta lived at that time in the monastery of Blandinberg, near Ghent, built by Saint Am saint Amand Saint, missionary, and founder of the Blandinberg monastery. and; this holy missionary placed great hopes in him and esteemed him highly because of the wisdom of his conduct. The fervent disciple strove to walk in the footsteps of his master, and authors say in his praise that he faithfully reproduced all the virtues he had observed and studied in him.
An administration marked by fervor
Although the details of his actions are little known, his administration is praised for maintaining discipline and religious fervor.
Nothing is known in detail about the works of Blessed Hatta during his administration of the Abbey of Saint-Vaast; but the excellent direction imparted to this community and the spirit of discipline and fervor that reigned there for a long time sufficiently praise this holy abbot.
Mission at Hamage
In 686, Hatta accompanied Saint Vindicien to Hamage for the consecration of a new church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
In 686, he accompanied Saint Vi ndicien to Hama saint Vindicien Bishop of Arras and successor to Saint Aubert. ge, who had been invited by Gertrude II, abbess of that monaste Gertrude II, abbesse de ce monastère Abbess of the monastery of Hamage. ry, to consecrate a new church, raised to the glory of God, under the invocation of Saint Mary.
Privileges and monastic rule
An episcopal privilege guarantees the freedom of his religious and the formal adoption of the Rule of Saint Benedict.
The authors of the Gallia Christiana, vol. III, p. 374, also speak of a privilege that was allegedly granted by this holy bishop to the Blessed Hatta, in which the entire freedom of his religious and the permission to follow the Rule of Saint B enedict were guarante Règle de saint Benoît Monastic rule adopted during the reform of Lambert. ed.
Death and veneration
Hatta died around 699; he remains venerated at Saint-Vaast under the titles of saint or blessed.
Some authors give him the title of Saint in their writings, although usually only that of blessed is applied to him; his name has always been held in veneration in the abbey of Saint-Vaast. It is believed that he died around the year 699.
Abbé Destombes.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Monk at the monastery of Blandinberg under the direction of Saint Amand
- Called in 685 by Saint Vindicien and Theuderic III to lead the Abbey of Saint-Vaast
- Accompanied Saint Vindicien to Hamage in 686 for the consecration of a church
- Obtained a privilege guaranteeing the freedom of the religious and the observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict