Abbot
Feast day: 7 June
Born: c. 1100, Gargrave, Yorkshire, England
Died: 7 June 1159, Newminster Abbey, Northumberland, England
Early Life and Vocation
Saint Robert was born in the early 12th century in the village of Gargrave, in the West Riding of Yorkshire. From his youth, he exhibited a spirit of piety and learning. He was educated at the University of Paris, where he became well-versed in sacred studies, Scripture, and theology. Upon returning to England, he served for a time as a parish priest at Gargrave.
Monastic Calling and Fountains Abbey
Feeling drawn to a life of greater austerity and deeper union with God, Robert left the secular priesthood and entered the Cistercian Order at the newly founded Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire. The Cistercian movement had recently been brought to England from France, and it sought to return to the strict observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict in simplicity, prayer, and manual labour.
Under the leadership of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the Cistercians were spreading rapidly, and Robert distinguished himself by his holiness, charity, and wisdom.
Founding of Newminster Abbey
In 1138, only a few years after his entrance into monastic life, Robert was chosen to be the founding abbot of a new Cistercian foundation at Newminster, near Morpeth in Northumberland. The location was remote and barren, but Robert and his brethren transformed it through prayer, perseverance, and labor.
Robert governed the abbey with great sanctity for over twenty years. He was known for his deep love of the Rule, his tender care for the monks, and his generous hospitality toward the poor. Miracles of healing and provision were attributed to his prayers.
Spiritual Life and Virtues
Saint Robert was noted for his humility, profound contemplation, and unceasing charity. His heart burned with love for God, and he spent long hours in prayer, especially during the night. He was a man of peace and reconciled many disputes in the region. His reputation for holiness attracted vocations, and Newminster Abbey flourished under his guidance.
He maintained a deep friendship with several contemporary saints and abbots, including Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, who esteemed him highly.
Death and Veneration
Saint Robert died peacefully on 7 June 1159, surrounded by his community. His tomb at Newminster soon became a site of pilgrimage, with many miracles reported at his intercession.
Though never formally canonized by the Holy See, Robert was honoured as a saint locally, and his cultus was approved. His feast is traditionally kept on June 7th, especially within the Cistercian Order and in northern England.
Legacy
Saint Robert of Newminster exemplifies the Cistercian ideals of austerity, prayer, humility, and charity. His life serves as a model for all who seek to live the Gospel through the monastic vocation or through faithful dedication to the will of God in their state of life.