Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Poets
Saint Angilbert of Centula
Abbot († 814)Feast: February 18
Angilbert was born in modern-day Germany around the year 740. He was educated under Alcuin, the great English scholar and advisor to Charlemagne. He served in various important roles, including as a witness to Charlemagne’s will. He is thought to be the author of a famous account of Charlemagne’s meeting with Leo III, known as the Aachen or Paderborn Epic. His poetry won him the nickname “Homer.”
Angilbert also wrote verse in praise of Charlemagne’s daughters. He singled out the daughter Bertha’s intelligence and good taste. The two had two children together; whether they married is unclear. Then a serious threat from Danish invaders arose. Prayers and sacrifices were multiplied. The disaster was averted. In gratitude and penance, Angilbert and Bertha parted by mutual consent. He embraced the monastic life. She became a nun.
Angilbert had received an abbacy in recompense for his service at court. As abbot of Saint Riquier, in northern France, he oversaw the abbey’s renovation and obtained a large library for the community. He also arranged for continual praises to be sung there, utilizing a choir with four hundred members who sang in shifts. Angilbert died in 814. Sometime after his burial, his body was found to be incorrupt.
Merciful Father, through the prayers of Saint Angilbert, grant the spirit of renunciation and chastity
to those tempted by worldly illusions.
