Fulbert of Chartres facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Fulbert of Chartres
Statue of Fulbert in Chartres Cathedral
Born	952–970
Died	10 April 1028
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Feast	10 April
Controversy	Fulbert was never canonized, but permission was granted by Rome to celebrate his day in Chartres and Poitiers

Fulbert of Chartres (French: Fulbert de Chartres) was an important figure in French history. He lived from about 952–970 to 1028. Fulbert served as the Bishop of Chartres, a leader in the Church, from 1006 until his death. He was also a respected teacher at the famous Cathedral school in Chartres.

Fulbert learned from Gerbert of Aurillac, who later became Pope Sylvester II. Fulbert helped make the special day celebrating the birth of the Virgin Mary (September 8) more important. He also played a big part in rebuilding the Chartres Cathedral after a fire. Most of what we know about Fulbert comes from the many letters he wrote between 1004 and 1028. He wrote to both powerful leaders and religious figures of his time.

Fulbert's Life and Role

The exact date and place of Fulbert's birth are not fully known. Sources suggest he was born between 952 and 970. Most believe he was born in northern France, possibly Picardy, though some say northern Italy. Everyone agrees he came from a humble family.

In the 980s, Fulbert studied at the cathedral school in Rheims. One of his classmates was Robert II, who would later become King of France. In the early 990s, Fulbert moved to the cathedral school in Chartres. He worked there as a schoolmaster or assistant. He also took on some small roles in the Church but was not a monk.

In 1004, he became a deacon, which is a step in becoming a priest. Then, in 1006, he was chosen as the Bishop of Chartres. He held this important position until he died on April 10, 1028.

Fulbert's Writings

Fulbert was a skilled writer. Most of his known works are his letters. He also wrote poems, hymns, and sermons.

Letters and Their Importance

Fulbert's letters are a great source of information about his time. His most famous letter was to Duke William V of Aquitaine. In it, he explained the duties of a feudal lord and his vassal (a person who owes loyalty to a lord). He also wrote to other church leaders about important Church matters. These included how bishops should be chosen, excommunication (being removed from the Church), and obedience.

His letters also covered everyday topics, like thanking people for medicine or planning meetings. These writings give us a clear picture of life in late 10th and early 11th century France.

Poems and Hymns

Fulbert wrote about 24 poems. Some of them were humorous, like his poem about a monk in the desert. Others were beautiful, such as his "Ode to the Nightingale."

He also wrote many hymns, which are religious songs. Most of these hymns praised the Virgin Mary. He also wrote "Chorus Novae Jerusalem" (meaning "Ye Choirs of New Jerusalem"), which is sung during Easter services.

Sermons and Teachings

One of Fulbert's most famous sermons is "Approbate Consuetudinis." In this sermon, he explained why it was so important to celebrate the "Feast of Mary’s Nativity," which is the day of Mary's birth.

Mary's Importance and Chartres Cathedral

During Fulbert's life, many people feared the end of the world, similar to how some felt around the year 2000. People already honored the Virgin Mary, and Fulbert taught even more about her importance. This helped calm people's fears and greatly increased devotion to Mary. It also made Chartres a very important center for Mary's followers.

Chartres was already special because it held a sacred relic believed to be Mary's "Sancta Camisia" (Holy Tunic). This tunic was said to have been worn by Mary during the Annunciation (when she learned she would have Jesus) or during the birth of Christ. This tunic was already famous for a miracle: an earlier bishop used it in 911 to protect the city from invading Normans.

Fulbert shared more stories of miracles involving Mary, especially how she helped people who had sinned. This taught people that they could pray to Mary to ask God for help, especially with the feared end of the world approaching. Fulbert himself believed Mary healed him from a serious illness with a drop of milk because of his strong devotion to her. This helped people see Mary not just as the mother of Christ, but as a mother figure for all who believed in her. All these efforts led to Fulbert's main goal: promoting a special feast day to celebrate Mary's birth.

To get people to support this feast, Fulbert wrote his famous sermon "Approbate Consuetudinis." In it, he told stories of Mary's miracles. He also showed Mary's family tree, tracing it back to King David. Fulbert used the symbol of the "Stirps Jesse" (Tree of Jesse) to explain Mary's connection to important figures from the past. He showed how the Scripture (Bible) predicted she would be the mother of Christ. This made her even more important and convinced people to celebrate her birth.

This sermon led to many changes in Church services across Europe over the next few centuries. The sermon itself, or parts of it, and the chants linked to it, became part of the service for Mary's Nativity on September 8. By promoting this feast day, Fulbert made Mary more important, and devotion to her grew. This also made the Cathedral of Chartres a major center for Mary's followers and gave people a spiritual symbol to rely on during uncertain times.

Church Reforms

During his time in Chartres, Fulbert played a key role in developing ideas that led to the Gregorian church reforms in the 11th century. These reforms, later led by Pope Gregory VII, focused on separating the powers of the Church and the state.

In Fulbert's time, kings and rulers often chose who would fill important Church positions, like new abbots and bishops. Fulbert and his students, such as Abbot Albert of Marmoutier, argued that the clergy (Church leaders) and the people of the area should elect their own leaders. They based this idea on rules from early Church councils, like the First Council of Nicaea (325). These reforms also stated that the Church, not the state, should be in charge of disciplining its own clergy. Fulbert also spoke out against simony (buying and selling Church offices) and immoral behavior by clergy. Although Pope Gregory VII later put these reforms into action, many of the ideas came from Fulbert, whose writings were shared by his students.

Rebuilding Chartres Cathedral

After the Chartres Cathedral was damaged by fire in 1020, Fulbert worked hard to raise money for its rebuilding. The work was finished in 1037, nine years after he died. In 1194, the cathedral was almost completely destroyed by another fire. Only the crypt (underground chapel), part of the west facade (front), and two towers remained. The crypt has been part of every rebuilding since then.

The Gothic-style cathedral that stands today began construction after that fire. In this cathedral, we can still see Fulbert's influence. His promotion of Mary's Nativity feast day and devotion to the Virgin Mary shaped its design. The sculptures around the three main entrances show scenes from Mary's life. She is the central figure in the Royal Portal. One of the cathedral's stained glass windows shows the Tree of Jesse. This window traces Mary's family and the Holy Family, which is another reference to Fulbert's teachings about Mary's birth.