Blessed Hugh of Cambrai

Saint Norbert neglected nothing to lead Hugh to the perfection of the holy state he had embraced and to teach him how one must endure all privations with joy. He taught him by what paths the sinner returns to God, by what labors and works he merits His graces, and by what virtues he makes himself pleasing in His eyes. He spoke to him of the humility that leads to heaven, of the simplicity that allows one to enter it, of the obedience that gives knowledge of the things of God, of the patience that makes one possess his soul in peace, of the chastity that draws near to God, of the virginity that makes one walk with Him, and finally of the poverty by which one possesses the kingdom of heaven. After having accompanied Saint Norbert on his apostolic journeys, Hugh followed him again to Reims, where they were presented to Pop e Callixtus II, and then to the forest of Cou cy where the seat of the Order of Prémontré was established. It is there that he spent a great part of his life, occupied with the conduct of this monastery.

When, subsequently, Saint Norbert was appointed Archbishop of Magdeburg, the Blessed Hugh and many other religious of his Order wished to follow him, in order to work by his side. But the Saint knew that this was not the will of God, and he commanded them to choose a new superior from among themselves. He did not conceal the pleasure that the election of Hugh, whose high wisdom and admirable qualities he appreciated, would cause him. The disciples understood their master's thought and followed it faithfully. God permitted that Hugh should have in a dream a testimony that this choice was in accordance with His will. During the night that preceded it, he believed he saw Our Lord and Saint Norbert descend near him, who said while showing his disciple to Jesus: "Lord, I present again to your most holy majesty him who was entrusted to me for you."

After the death of Saint Norbert, the blessed Hugh, who was filled with a truly filial affection for him, prayed to God, in the simplicity of his heart, to give him a testimony of the mercy He had shown toward His servant. This prayer was answered the following night; Saint Norbert appeared to him surrounded by a brilliant light, and told his disciple that he was enjoying the happiness of heaven. The blessed Hugh himself recalled this vision, but he did not say that it was to him that God had granted this favor. He died in 1164, thirty years after his beloved master Saint Norbert, whose virtues he strove to imitate throughout his life.