Biography
Bercharius of Hautvillers
About Bercharius of Hautvillers
Bercharius entered monastic life at Luxeuil after receiving instruction from Nivard of Reims. The church account says that he encouraged Nivard to found Hautvillers and became that community’s first abbot.
It also connects him with foundations for monks at Moutier-en-Der and for women at Pelemoutier. According to the received story, a monk whom he had reprimanded attacked him at Moutier-en-Der.
Bercharius forgave the attacker before dying from his wounds. The biography gives conflicting dates for his death, including 696 and 685, and cautions that his later description as a martyr did not mean that he was killed specifically for his faith.
Wondering how to weigh the stories and sources? Learn how to read a saint biography.