COMMEMORATION: AELRED, ABBOT OF RIEVAULX

Today the Episcopal church commemorates Aelred of Rievaulx, born 1109 and died January 12, 1167. He entered the Cistercian monastery at Rievaulx when he was 24 and became abbot in 1147. While abbot, he wrote a classic book of spirituality, Spiritual Friendship, which is still in print.

He wrote,

"There are four qualities which characterize a friend: Loyalty, right intention, discretion, and patience. Right intention seeks for nothing other than God and natural good. Discretion brings understanding of what is done on a friend’s behalf, and ability to know when to correct faults. Patience enables one to be justly rebuked, or to bear adversity on another’s behalf. Loyalty guards and protects friendship, in good or bitter times."

Thanks to Integrity for the Aelred icon image.