Olegarius was a 12th-century prelate who served as the Bishop of Barcelona starting in 1116 and later became the Archbishop of Tarragona in 1118. Born into a noble Barcelona family around 1060, he held various positions including provost and abbot of the monastery of Saint-Ruf. A close advisor to Count Ramon Berenguer III, he frequently accompanied the ruler on military expeditions. He was a significant figure in ecclesiastical reforms and played a central role in the restoration and resettlement of the Tarragona region following its reconquest.
Ecclesiastical career
As a reformer, Olegarius participated in numerous papal synods, including the First Lateran Council. He was deeply involved in the Augustinian reform of Catalan monasteries and established a confraternity to assist in rebuilding the church in Tarragona. His diplomatic influence extended to negotiating marriage alliances and brokering peace between regional rulers, such as the leaders of Aragon and Castile.
Life and work
Following the reconquest of Tarragona, Olegarius focused on rebuilding its churches and encouraging the resettlement of the territory. He worked to secure the region's defense by recruiting knights and helped establish the Knights Templar in Catalonia. His leadership also included mediating Mediterranean alliances to combat Almoravid piracy and managing the administrative rights of the newly reclaimed territories.
Veneration
Olegarius is recognized as blessed in the Catholic tradition. His feast day is observed on March 6, the date of his death in 1137. His remains are interred in a sepulchre located within the Christ of Lepanto side chapel at the Cathedral of Barcelona.
