Gaucherius

About Gaucherius

Gaucherius, also called Gaucher of Aureil, was born around 1060 at Meulan-sur-Seine in France. After his education he sought a solitary religious life near Limoges. The French Catholic calendar says disciples gathered around him in the forest, turning a personal retreat into a community.

Gaucherius established the priory of Saint-Jean at Aureil, where the community followed the Rule of Saint Augustine. The New Catholic Encyclopedia also records his foundation of a women’s community under the rule of Augustinian canonesses. Stephen of Muret and Lambert of Angoulême were among the religious figures associated with his community. His leadership joined contemplative practice to common life.

He died near Aureil on 9 April 1140. The New Catholic Encyclopedia dates his canonization to 1194, while the French calendar quotes the Roman Martyrology’s description of him as a canon regular and model of communal life. His memorial is 9 April; some regions have also kept other local observances. Accounts differ in minor chronology, including whether his death year was 1139 or 1140, so the record follows the encyclopedia and martyrology year of 1140.