Saint Bruno was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1030 to the prominent Hartenfaust family. There is not much known about his childhood, except that, due to his intelligence and piety, he was sent to modern-day Rheims to study theology. After completing his studies in 1055, he journeyed back to his birthplace, where he was ordained a priest and became a canon at St. Cunibert’s. The following year, he became head of the Episcopal School in Rheims at the request of the bishop, and he remained there for eighteen years.
In 1075, he was appointed chancellor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rheims by Archbishop Manasses. However, when the archbishop’s suitability for the role of papal legate was questioned, Bruno and several other priests denounced him and were forced to flee. He would not return to Rheims for five years, following the archbishop’s passing.
In 1084, along with six other men, Bruno moved to a hermitage in La Grande Chartreuse in Grenoble, where he lived a life of solitude, silence, and simplicity, with a focus on prayer and manual work, following the Rule of St. Benedict, “Ora et Labora.” This way of life became the foundation of the Carthusian Order, which remains largely unchanged today.
In 1090, he moved to Rome as an advisor to Pope Urban II, his former student. The next year, he returned to his humble life of poverty and devotion and moved to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Squillace, where he spent the rest of his days until his death on October 6, 1101.
Because of the Carthusian emphasis on humility and aversion to public honors, Bruno did not undergo the usual formal canonization process. In 1514, Pope Leo X authorized the Carthusian Order to celebrate his feast, and in 1623, Pope Gregory XV extended his feast to the universal Church. St. Bruno is the patron saint of the Carthusians and is also associated with Germany, Calabria, students, scholars, and theologians.
Today we ask St. Bruno to guide us in discerning God’s all-knowing plan for us, and to help us persevere in seeking the truth and pursuing unity with God even in times of uncertainty.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Bruno, you were drawn into a life of radical solitude and prayer, and you responded with incredible generosity. In that solitude, you met your divine Savior and entered into intimate communion with Him. Please intercede for me, that I will daily enter into the solitude of prayer where I can be alone with God, shedding my attachments to the passing things of this world. May I discover what you discovered and live more fully in union with Christ.
Saint Bruno, pray for us.
Jesus, I trust in You.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tomorrow is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
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