St. Hugh of Grenoble was born at Chateauneuf in the County of Albon, France, in 1053. He was the son of a soldier named Odilo, a man known for his Christian life who later became a Carthusian Monk. Hugh's mother was also known for her life of prayer and alms-giving. Hugh showed piety from a young age and was an exceptional student. While still a layman, Hugh was made a Canon of Valence. In 1080, while attending a synod in Avignon, Hugh was named bishop of Grenoble.
Pope Gregory VII consecrated him in Rome and inspired in him an ardent zeal for the Church's liberty and the sanctification of the clergy. He at once undertook to reprove vice and reform abuses, at that time rampant in his diocese. When he had not succeeded, to his satisfaction, in countering abuse and fostering devotion after two years, he tried to resign his bishopric and enter the Benedictine Monastery at Cluny. After a year, the Pope ordered him to continue his Episcopal work.
Upon his return, Hugh was reasonably effective as a reformer. His forceful preaching moved crowds and touched hearts; in the confessional, he wept with his penitents and aroused in them a deeper contrition. After a few years, the face of his diocese had changed. His charity for the poor led him to sell even his episcopal ring and chalice to assist them. St. Hugh is best known as the patron and benefactor of St. Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order. For the last forty years of his life, he was afflicted with almost continual headaches and pains in the stomach. St. Hugh died in 1132. He was canonized only two years after his death by Pope Innocent II.
St. Hugh, pray for us to seek the Lord's presence in solitude and listen to His inspirations in our everyday lives.
Prepared and updated by:
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.
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