St.Hugh of Grenoble was born in 1053. He was a bishop in France at a time when the Church was suffering from a great deal of corruption and was in desperate need of reform. After only two years in office, Hugh attempted to retire to the Benedictine monastery at Cluny to spend his life in prayer but was quickly called forth by Pope Gregory VII to public ministry. St. Hugh is also known as a mentor to St. Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order, because he provided Bruno with a location in Chartreuse to found his monastery. Hugh’s holiness was so evident that he was canonized only two years after his death. His feast day is April 4.

Questions for Reflection:

• St. Hugh of Grenoble’s attempt to lay down the burden of public ministry in the Church might call to mind the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Have you ever felt like the burden of your particular call was too much to bear?
• How have you felt called both to a life of action and a life of prayer? How do you live out a life of prayer in a life of action?