Saint of the Day – 12 December – Saint Florentius of Carracedo O.Cist. (Died 1152) Abbot,

Saint of the Day – 12 December – Saint Florentius of Carracedo O.Cist. (Died 1152) Abbot, Reformer. Died on 25 December 1152 at Carracedo in Spain og natural causes. Also known as – Fiorenzo, Florent. Additional Memorial – 10 December (on some calendars).

Florentius was an Abbot of the Abbey of Santa Maria di Valverde and Carracedo, who lived in the 12th Century.

This Abbot, in the Cistercian texts, is remembered for having introduced the reform in the Spanish Monasteries of León, Castile and León, Spain. He brought the Cistercian reform to the House, bringing in help from the nearby Monastery of Santa María de Valverde which had been founded by Vermulo II, King of Léon and united in a single community in 1138. Furthermore, being greatly esteemed by King Alphonsus VII, also appears in some Royal documents.

From the sepulchral inscription found in the Charterhouse of Carracedo,where our Saint is buried and venerated, we know that he died on 25 December 1152.
In the same inscription he is called a Saint and his virtues, his qualities of government and his wisdom, are exalted.

The Cistercian Calendar commemorate and celebrate St Florentius today, 12 December.