Saint Bertrand of Comminges
Saint Bertrand of Comminges (born c. 1050 AD in Isle-de-Noé, Gascony, France; died October 16, 1123 AD in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Haute-Garonne, France) was Bishop of Comminges in the Pyrenees region of southwestern France for over forty years. He transformed the ruined Roman city of Lugdunum Convenarum into a thriving episcopal center, built a cathedral, organized a canonical community, and cared for the poor with notable zeal. The city itself was renamed Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges in his honor. He was canonized in 1218 by Pope Honorius III. His feast day is October 16.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Bertrand Of Comminges
| Saint Bertrand of Comminges | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | October 16 |
| Profession | Archdeacon; bishop; rebuilder of cities |
| Rel. Affiliation | Diocese of Comminges |
| Patronage | Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges; the Comminges region; Gascony |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments and crozier; model of a cathedral; pilgrim (the city is on the Compostela route) |
| Birthplace | Isle-de-Noé, Gers, Gascony, France |
| Death Place | Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Haute-Garonne, France |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Cathedral of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Haute-Garonne, France |
| Liturgical Class | Not included (universal calendar); local feast in the Diocese of Tarbes-Lourdes-Tarbes |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Early life and appointment as bishop
Bertrand was born around 1050 in Isle-de-Noé in Gascony. He served as archdeacon of the cathedral of Toulouse before being appointed Bishop of Comminges around 1083 by Pope Gregory VII. He was an early and committed supporter of the Gregorian Reform.
Rebuilding Comminges
When Bertrand became bishop, Comminges—built on the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Lugdunum Convenarum—was barely habitable. He undertook a comprehensive rebuilding: constructing a new cathedral, establishing a chapter of canons following the Rule of Saint Augustine, and drawing back population to the ruined site. He also opened the city as a stage on the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela—pilgrims traveling through the Pyrenean foothills passed through Comminges.
His care for the poor was particularly noted: he was known for distributing the revenues of his see generously among the destitute.
Death and canonization
Bertrand died on October 16, 1123, after forty years as bishop. The city was eventually renamed Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges in his honor. He was canonized in 1218 by Pope Honorius III. His cathedral—rebuilt and expanded over centuries—is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.
Significant events
- Born c. 1050 in Isle-de-Noé, Gascony.
- Appointed Bishop of Comminges c. 1083 by Pope Gregory VII.
- Rebuilt the ruined Roman city of Comminges; constructed the cathedral; established a canonical chapter.
- Died October 16, 1123; city renamed Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges in his honor.
- Canonized 1218 by Pope Honorius III.
- Cathedral designated UNESCO World Heritage Site (Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France).
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Isle-de-Noé, Gers, Gascony, France
Death location: Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Haute-Garonne, France
Notable location: The city he rebuilt and which bears his name; his cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as part of Routes of Santiago de Compostela) (Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Haute-Garonne, France)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Cathedral of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Haute-Garonne, France — UNESCO World Heritage Site; holds his relics; a pilgrimage destination on the Compostela routes.
Canonization
Saint Bertrand was canonized in 1218 by Pope Honorius III.
Feast day
October 16
Veneration
Saint Bertrand of Comminges is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church with a feast day on October 16, particularly in the Diocese of Tarbes-Lourdes-Tarbes and throughout the Pyrenean region.
Prayers
Authored
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