Bernat Calbó facts for kids
.jpg)
Bernat Calbó (born around 1180 – died October 26, 1243) was an important person from Catalonia. He was a lawyer, a government worker, a monk, a bishop, and even a soldier!
Bernat grew up and went to school near a place called Manso Calvo, close to Reus. His family was part of the knightly class, which meant they were important and often served in the military. Early in his life, Bernat worked as a lawyer and official for the church court in Tarragona.
Contents
A Monk and a Bishop
In 1214, Bernat decided to become a Cistercian monk at the Santes Creus monastery. This is a type of Christian monk who lives a very simple life. He became the first leader, or abbot, of this monastery. Later, in 1223 or 1233, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Vich, which is a high position in the church.
Helping in the Reconquista
In 1238, Bernat and his church group joined a big historical campaign called the Reconquista. This was a time when Christian kingdoms in Spain were trying to take back land from Muslim rulers. Bernat helped in the fight against the Muslim kingdom of Valencia.
Bernat brought important supplies and help to the sieges of Burriana and Valencia. A siege is when an army surrounds a city to try and capture it. When the city of Valencia was finally captured by the forces of James I of Aragon, Bernat and his soldiers joined in a special first Mass (a Christian church service) held in the city's main mosque.
Later Life and Legacy
After the victory, Bernat received many grants of land in the new Kingdom of Valencia. He visited this area again in 1242. He was still a skilled lawyer and helped to write the laws for Valencia, which were called the Furs of Valencia.
Bernat Calbó passed away in Vich in 1243 and was buried in the Cathedral of Vic. Years later, in 1260, he was honored by Pope Alexander IV. Then, on September 26, 1710, he was made a saint by Pope Clement XI.
The Cistercian monks celebrate his special day, called a feast day, on October 24. The diocese of Vich celebrates it on October 26. Bernat Calbó is often shown in pictures as a bishop wearing the simple clothes of a Cistercian monk.
See also
In Spanish: Bernardo Calbó para niños
Images for kids
-
A friendly robot.
