A portrait of St. Aelred of Rievaulx
St. Aelred of Rievaulx
1110 – 1167
Feast
January 12 · XII c.
Patron of
Friendship · Spiritual writers · Cistercians
Order
Abbot / Writer
English Cistercian abbot of Rievaulx in Yorkshire (1110-1167) and one of the foremost spiritual writers of medieval England; his treatise "On Spiritual Friendship" remains a classic of Christian humanism. Feast January 12.
Life & Times
Also known as: Ailred; Ælred · Born: 1110 · Died: 1167 · From: England.
Patronage
St. Aelred of Rievaulx is invoked as the patron of friendship, spiritual writers, cistercians. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Here we are, you and I, and I hope a third, Christ, in our midst.”— Spiritual Friendship — opening dialogue.
Shop St. Aelred of Rievaulx Products
Devotional items honoring St. Aelred of Rievaulx, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Aelred of Rievaulx, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.