Bartholomew of Marmoutier

Who they were

Bl. Bartholomew, abbot of Marmoutier near Tours, in France, was elected abbot of that monastery in 1068, and was confronted with discouraging difficulties from the very outset. Count Goffrid assumed sovereign rights over the house and demanded that the abbot receive investiture at his hands. In spite of respectful remonstrances by the monks, who sought to convince the oppressor that they owed allegiance to no one but the King and the Pope, Count Goffrid proceeded to employ force. At this critical moment, the religious, together with the sick and the poor who were supported by the monastery, went in procession to the altar of St. Martin and implored the intercession of that Saint. Their prayer was not in vain, for it so happened that Falko, the count’s own brother, seized him and prevented the execution of his wicked design. Peace and security reigned once more and Bartholomew was at liberty to take possession of his office. With wonderful prudence and moderation he brought about an adjustment of certain controversies between the monastery, the bishops and certain landlords with whom the monastery was in litigation. Still greater was his solicitude for the advancement of the brethren in piety and learning. Marmoutier became an important ecclesiastical centre, and its religious were invited by many bishops to establish or conduct monasteries. The abbot’s fame for holiness of life grew after he had effected the wonderful cure of two brothers, Haymo and Gautier. He died in the year 1084.

The miracles

The source does not describe the miracles approved in the cause.

Why that counted as sanctity

A Benedictine Martyrology (1922) remembers him on 24 February.

The cause