Saint Gilbert of Sempringham Sculpture
at Essen Belgium –Image: Nobility.org
(Franciscan Media) Gilbert was born in Sempringham, a Hamlet in the South Kesteven District of Lincolnshire England, into a wealthy family but he followed a path quite different than expected of him as the Son of a wealthy Roman Knight.
Gilbert sent to France for higher education decided to pursue seminary studies. When he returned to England not yet ordained a Priest–he inherited several estates from his father Jocelin however, Gilbert decided to avoid the easy life he may have had, instead living a simple life at the Parish, sharing as much as possible with the poor.
Following Gilbert’s ordination into the priesthood, he served as a Parish Priest in Sempringham. Among the congregation were seven young Women who had expressed to him their desire to live a religious life. In response, Fr. Gilbert had a house built for them adjacent to the Church, there they live a austere life but one which attracted even more members–eventually, Lay Sisters & Brothers were added to work the land. A religious order was formed out of their small community known as the Gilbertine Order in 1131 the only religious order founded during the Middle Ages continued to thrive but came to an end when King Henry VIII suppressed all Catholic monasteries.
Site of ‘The Gilbertine Order’
Image Courtesy: 365 Rosaries
According to EWTN Gilbert departed to our Lord on the 03 February, 1190 at 106 yrs of age and he was Canonized by Pope Innocent III in 1202
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