St. Hugh of Champagne was a nobleman born in the late seventh or early eighth century. While he was a still a layman, Hugh was appointed the caretaker of Jumièges Abbey. In 718, he embraced the call to monastic life and entered Jumièges as a monk.

In 722, the important French city of Rouen’s diocesan seat fell vacant. Hugh was called upon to take up the role of archbishop. Hugh left his monastery and managed not only the Archdiocese of Rouen but Fontenelle Abbey. Two years, later, Hugh took on two more dioceses to care for—Paris and Bayeux! St. Hugh’s pastoral energies must have been nearly inexhaustible!

Finally, as he neared death, Hugh retired back to his home monastery of Jumièges. Hugh died on the ninth of April, 730. St. Hugh’s earthly remains were laid to rest at Notre Dame in Paris. Two centuries later, his relics were smuggled away to Belgium to save them from being ransacked by Norman invaders in Paris.

St. Hugh of Champagne, abbot and bishop who gave of himself tirelessly to care for Christ’s flock—pray for us!

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