April 17
Stephen Harding, Abbot
Benedictine abbot
Together with Saint Robert he founded the Abbey of Citeaux, near Dijon, France, to found a new Benedictine community with stricter observance of the rules.
Biography
This is how the Cistercians were born, the white-robed monks in contrast to the black-robed monks of Cluny. Saint Stephen was Abbot of this monastery, which he governed with all prudence and charity for 25 years. His biographer said of Saint Stephen that “he was “always joyful in the Lord.”
Practical advice
Trusting in God's grace, prudently fulfill a responsibility that others have entrusted to you, remembering that holiness is built in the ordinary.
Example of
PrayerCharityPastoral leadership