Saint Godfrey

St. Godfrey was born around 1066 at Molincourt in France. His parents gave him to the church where he received his education from the monks of Mont-Saint-Quentin. Godfrey eventually became a monk and then a priest. He was chosen to be abbot of the abbey of Our Lady of Nogent in Champagne, France in 1095. The monastery was run-down and only six monks remained. He renovated the edifices and built a hostelry for pilgrims and the sick poor; and in this hostelry he himself continued to labor on their behalf. In a short while, the community was fervent and new candidates joined them. The abbey of Champagne became a center of prayer and spiritual joy.

He was offered the abbacy of Saint-Remi, but he refused. He was also offered the bishopric of Reims in 1097, but again he refused, claiming he was unworthy. When he was offered the bishopric of Amiens in 1104, he still considered himself unworthy of the trust. However, King Philip and the Council of Troyes each ordered him to take it, so he did. Though he was hesitant to leave his monastery, he realized that it was his calling to serve the people of Rheims. While bishop, he still lived like a simple monk. His house was poor but clean. His food was plain. Once in a while, his cook prepared food that seemed to him too fancy. Godfrey would wait until the cook was out on errands. Then he would call in the poor people who lived nearby. He would give them the food to take home to their families.

St. Godfrey was noted for his rigid austerity with himself, those around him, and in his approach to his mission as bishop. He was an enforcer of clerical celibacy. He was also a fierce lifelong opponent of drunkenness and simony, which led to an attempt on his life. For most of his time as bishop, he wished to resign and retire and become a Carthusian monk. In 1114, he moved to a monastery, but a few months later his people demanded his return, and he agreed. He also took part in the Council of Chálons. He died in November, 1115. His feast day is celebrated on November 8.