Robert of Newminster 850 pending

Pictures associate the memories of one long ago canonized Saint, Robert of Newminster, and the all too vivid recalling the assassination of the Seven Atlas martyrs.

Parishioners from St. Robert of Newminster being on an outing.

They were reminding us of the 850th Anniversary of Saint Robert on the 7th June.

This occasion is being celebrated by the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.There will be an outside Mass at the old Newminster Abbey site lead by the Bishop.

Details from OCSO MENOLOGY

JUNE 7

St Robert of Newminster + 1159

Born in Yorkshire. After studying in Paris, he returned to England, became a parish priest and then a Benedictine at the abbey of Whitby. In 1132 he joined the monks of St Mary's, York, and participated with them in the founding of Fountains.

Seven years later he founded New Minster near Morpeth, Northumberland and became its first abbot. Under his administration, the house prospered so much that it was able to establish three daughter-houses: Pipewell, Roche and Sawley.

Robert wrote a commentary on the Psalms and a book of meditations no longer extant. He "was strict with himself, kind and merciful to others, learned and yet simple."

(MBS, p. 162; NCE, vol. 12, p. 534).