Godfrey of Amiens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Godfrey of Amiens |
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Godfrey of Amiens
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| Bishop of Amiens | |
| Born | 1066 Soissons, France |
| Died | November 8, 1115 Soissons, France |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Feast | 8 November |
Godfrey of Amiens (French: Geoffroy d'Amiens) was born in 1066 and died in 1115. He was an important leader in the Catholic Church and served as the Bishop of Amiens in France. He is remembered as a saint.
Contents
Life Story
Early Life and Education
Godfrey was born in 1066 in a place called Moulincourt, France. He was the third child in a noble family. When his mother passed away, his father decided to become a monk.
At just five years old, Godfrey went to live with his uncle, who was the Bishop of Soissons. His uncle sent him to a special school at the Benedictine abbey of Mont-Saint-Quentin. Here, his godfather, Godefroid, was the abbot (the head of the monastery). While at Saint Quentin, Godfrey was in charge of caring for sick people. He was also appointed as a hospitaller, which meant he welcomed poor people at the abbey's gate.
Becoming a Leader
When Godfrey was 25, he became a priest. The Bishop of Noyon ordained him. In 1096, he became the abbot of the Abbey of Nogent-sous-Coucy in Champagne. When he first arrived, the abbey grounds were overgrown with weeds. But Godfrey worked hard to rebuild the abbey. He also created a special place for pilgrims (people on religious journeys) to stay.
Godfrey was offered important positions, like being the abbot of Saint-Remi or the bishop of Reims, but he said no. However, he was eventually asked to become the bishop of Amiens, and he had to accept. King Philip and the Council of Troyes chose Godfrey partly because he was good at managing things.
Challenges as Bishop
As bishop, Godfrey was known for being very strict with himself and others. He made sure that priests followed rules like clerical celibacy (meaning they could not marry). He also strongly opposed unfair practices in the church, like buying or selling church positions. Because of his strict rules, some people disagreed with him very strongly, and there was even an attempt to harm him.
Godfrey wanted to leave his busy life as bishop. He wished to live a quiet life of prayer and penance at a monastery called Grande Chartreuse. In 1114, he moved to a monastery. However, in 1115, he was called back to his duties as bishop.
Later Years and Death
Soon after returning, Godfrey became sick. He found shelter at the abbey of Saint Crépin in Soissons. He died there on November 8, 1115.
Remembrance
- Godfrey of Amiens is remembered on November 8 each year.
- A street in Amiens is named after him.
