Saint Philibert of Jumièges

Philibert of Jumièges (c. 608–684) was an abbot and monastic founder, particularly associated with Jumièges Abbey. Philibert was born in Gascony, the only son of Filibaud, a magistrate of Vicus Julius (now Aire-sur-l'Adour). When he came of age he was given a place at the court of Dagobert I at Metz, where he met Saints Ouen and Wandregisel. He received permission of the king to become a monk and entered the monastery of Rebais, which had been founded by Ouen and his brothers on land donated by the king. In 650, he succeeded his friend Agilus as abbot, but internal disagreements arose as to the more or less rigorous practice of the rule of Columbanus. He left and spent some time traveling round monasteries including Luxeuil and Bobbio, studying their Rules and constitutions. In 654, through the influence of Queen Balthild of Chelles, Philibert received a gift of land from Clovis II on which he founded Notre Dame de Jumièges. He drew up a Rule based on his studies for this and for his later foundations, drawing on several earlier Rules, including those of Benedict, Macarius, Basil the Great and particularly the strict rule of Columbanus. The monks' chief work was the reclaiming of waste lands. He welcomed the poor and pilgrims. An important spiritual place, Jumièges became renowned and several notables and abbots came to consult Philibert. Philibert did not hesitate to confront Ebroin, the mayor of the palace of Neustria, about his treatment of Leodegar, Bishop of Autun, who had died a martyr. Ebroin then saw to it that for a time Philibert lost the favour of Ouen and the royal family. He was briefly imprisoned then not permitted to return to Jumieges. He chose exile from Neustria and withdrew to Austrasia and the court of Bishop Ansoald of Poitiers who put his own foundation of Luçon Abbey under Philibert's charge.