Bishop of Liège in the 12th century, Albéron was recognized for his piety and righteousness. Moved by the tears of a widow, he abolished the right of mainmorte, which allowed bishops to seize the most precious possession of their deceased subjects. He founded the Abbey of Saint-Gilles, where he is buried.
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SAINT ALBERON OR ADALBERON, BISHOP OF LIÈGE († 1128).
Origins and nomination
Brother of the Count of Louvain and canon of Metz, Alberon became Bishop of Liège in 1123.
He was the brother of Godfrey the Be arded, Coun t of Lo uvain, and was first a canon of M etz before becoming Bish op of Liège in 1123.
Virtues and spiritual life
The saint is described as a man of integrity, chaste and humble, who practiced nocturnal prayer.
A simple and upright man, gentle and chaste, without avarice and of good morals, nobler than the most noble; such is the portrait that a contemporary writer left of Saint Alberon. He was accustomed to devoting himself to prayer in the silence of the night.
Abolition of the right of mortmain
Moved by the distress of a widow, Alberon abolished the abusive right of succession that allowed the bishop to seize the property of the deceased.
One evening, as he was pouring out his soul before the altars of the Lord as was his custom, his ears were suddenly struck by a piercing sound: it was the lamentations of a poor widow who had just lost her husband and from whom they were about to take her bed, her only possession, by virtue of the right of mortmain enjoyed by the bishops of Lièg e.
Alberon was heartbroken by this: not only did he show clemency toward this poor widow, but he also abolished throughout the extent of his domains a right, which was moreover exorbitant, that allowed him, upon the death of each of his subjects, to seize the most precious piece of furniture in the house. — This was the right of s uccession at that time.
Foundation and death
He founded the Abbey of Saint-Gilles in Liège, where he was buried after his death in 1128.
He founded the Abbey of Saint-Gilles on the public mount of L iège, where he was interred after his death, which occurred on January 1, 1128.
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Frequently asked questions about Saint Alberon (Adalberon)
Who was Saint Alberon (Adalberon)?
Bishop of Liège in the 12th century, Albéron was recognized for his piety and righteousness. Moved by the tears of a widow, he abolished the right of mainmorte, which allowed bishops to seize the most precious possession of their deceased subjects. He founded the Abbey of Saint-Gilles, where he is buried.
What is Saint Alberon (Adalberon) the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saint Alberon (Adalberon): Liège.
Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Alberon (Adalberon)?
Contemporaries include: Saint Norbert of Magdeburg, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint Stephen of Hungary and Saint Arthaud of Belley.
When did Saint Alberon (Adalberon) die?
Saint Alberon (Adalberon) died around 1128.
What are the other names of Saint Alberon (Adalberon)?
Other forms of the name: Adalbéron.
Who are the relatives of Saint Alberon (Adalberon)?
Relatives of Saint Alberon (Adalberon): Godefroid le Barbu (brother).
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Canon of Metz
- Election as Bishop of Liège in 1123
- Abolition of the right of mainmorte in his domains
- Foundation of the Abbey of Saint-Gilles
- Died on January 1, 1128