Saint of the Day – 18 February – Saint Angilbert (c750-814) Abbot of Saint-Riquier at Centula, Poet, Official, Advisor and close friend at the Court of Charlemagne, Count of Ponthieu. He married Charlemagne’s but by mutual consent both entered the Religious Life. Born in Aachen, Kingdom of the Franks [now in Germany] around 750 and died on 18 February 814 at the Monastery at Centula, Picardy, France. Also known as – Angilbert of Saint-Riquier, Angilberto…Enghelberto…Homer… (this latter name relates to his great talent as a Poet).
Angilbert, born into a noble family, became an important figure at Charlemagne’s Court. Educated at the Court by the great St Alcuin, he became the Emperor’s friend, confidant, advisor and secretary.
In 781, when the young Pepin was crowned King of Italy, Angilbert became his Attaché, with the title of Primicerius (Chief Administrator) of the Palace. Later, he was named Count of Ponthieu and Abbot of Saint-Riquier.
Angilbert led a dissolute life and fell in love with Princess Bertha, Charlemagne’s daughter. The two had two children, Armida and Nithard. Charlemagne, who was not a paragon of morality, did not at first allow the two lovers to marry but granted Angilbert the commendation of the Abbey of Saint-Riquier.
After a serious illness and a victory over the Danes, Angilbert decided to embrace Religious life. He became a Priest and then Abbot of Saint-Riquier.
In 792, Angilbert brought Felix, Bishop of Urgel, condemned for heresy, to Rome. In 794, he submitted the “Carolingian Books” to the Pope which reiterated the condemnation of iconoclasm. In 796, he presented to the Pope, part of the treasures captured by the Frankish army.
After his last mission to Rome, Angilbert retired to his Abbey, where he devoted himself to religious life and the reconstruction of the building.
In 800, Angilbert followed Charlemagne to Rome for his Coronation as Emperor.
Angilbert died on18 February 814, 22 days after Charlemagne’s death. He was buried before the main door of the Basilica of Saint-Riquier. In 1100, Pope Paschal II Canonised him.
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