Rigobert was a 7th-century Benedictine monk who served as the abbot of the Abbey of Saint-Pierre in Orbais. He later became the Archbishop of Reims in 698, a position in which he famously performed the baptism of Charles Martel. Due to various political pressures, he was eventually forced to leave his see. He sought refuge in Aquitaine, where he spent his remaining years living a life of penance in Gernicourt.
Life and career
Born in Ribemont around 650, Rigobert dedicated his life to the Benedictine order. After leading the monastery at Orbais, he rose to the rank of Archbishop. His tenure in Reims ended when political circumstances compelled him to flee. He relocated to Gernicourt, where he lived a penitential existence until his death around 733 or 750.
Veneration and relics
The Catholic Church recognizes him as a saint, with his feast day observed on January 4. His remains were originally interred in the church at Gernicourt. Over time, his relics were transferred to several locations, including Saint Theodoric, Saint Dionysius, and Our Lady of Reims, with a portion also being kept at the cathedral in Paris.