Lambert of Lyon
Saint Lambertus, (625-688), Abbot of Abbey of Fontenelle and Bishop of Lyon (678-688). His feast day is celebrated on 14 April. He was son of Erlebert (son of Charibert nobilis en Neustria) and so nephew of Robert I, Bishop of Tours. He was born in Quernes where his father was the seigneur.
Because of his high rank, he was sent to the court of Clotaire III, where he soon won the respect of the king and his ministers. Despite this, he chose the life of a clergy and studied under the direction of Abbot Saint Wandrille at Fontenelle Abbey where he received the monastic habit. After Wandrill's death in 665, he was elected as his successor.
The competence of Lambertus’ administration of the abbey was soon known. Kings were to take advantage of its examples and its opinions. Childeric II honored his confidence and made large donations to the abbey. Theuderic III, who succeeded his brother in 675, was however, too liberal for the abbot. He did provide land in Donzère where Lambertus built a monastery.
In the Martyrology
- April 14 Saint Lambert, bishop of Lyons, abbot of Fontenelle