Hugh of Cluny and Adoption

Biography

Hugh, from a noble Burgundian family, was raised by his great-uncle, Hugh, bishop of Auxerre. He entered the monastery of Cluny aged 14, took his vows a year later, was prior by the age of 21 and abbot in 1049.

He was an advisor to nine popes and had a great influence on the church and the political world of his time. Under his abbacy Cluny built a new basilica, the largest church in the world at the time, consecrated in 1095, and he was a leading organizer of the First Crusade.

He is the patron saint of fevers.

References

Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, edited by F.L. Cross. (London: Oxford University Press, 1957)