Location:Orléans - Date:ca. 825, 80 days after the translation of the relics of Saint Hubert (AA SS) - Commission:commissioned by Walcaud, biship of Liège

7810 words

This work as well as the translation report that accompanied this vita (NaSo 2157) has been written shortly after the translation of the relics of Saint Hubert from Liège to Andage, that henceforth became known as Saint-Hubert. The translation was condoned and probably instigated by Walcaud, bishop of Liège, who, at the same time, also reformed the congregation of Andage according to the rule of Benedict. Because of this reform, Walcaud replaced most of the canons residing in Andage by monks from Saint-Lambert in Liège. Consequently, this work must be read in the context of a greater reform movement supported by emperor Louis the Pious. It is likely that this also explains why Jonas d’Orléans, a reforming bishop himself, was the author of the vita. By means of such a translation and the literary production that accompanied it, a stronger religious culture, depending on the bishop of Liège, could be established in the surrounding lands. Next to that, the translation of the relics of Hubert also eliminated a possible rivalry with the cult of Saint Lambert in the city of Liège.

Biography of Saint Hubert. Hubert (†727) succeeded Saint Lambert as bishop of Maastricht in 703/705. In 717 he chose Liège as a new episcopal residence and he had the relics of his predecessor relocated to that city. Soon afther his death, the cult of Saint Hubert began with the elevation of his relics in the eight century and gained popularity during the ninth and tenth centuries, as a consequence of the translation of his relics to the abbey of Andage (which was renamed Saint-Hubert). It is during this period that Saint Hubert became increasingly attached to the hunt, resulting in representing him as the patron saint of the hunters in the eleventh century. Jonas, the author of this second biography, claims that he did not made any additions to the original biography (Vita prima Huberti, NaSo 2155), he states only to have improved its style. Notwithstanding these remarks, some alterations with regard to the content can be noticed (Tada 2003).

Vita prima Huberti Leodiensis

Hubertus, Vita ampliata sanctae Gudilae
Vita sanctae Gudilae anonymo

Brussel/Bruxelles, Koninklijke Bibliotheek/Bibliothèque Royale, 7460
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Den Haag, Koninklijke Bibliotheek, 277
Douai, Bibliothèque Municipale, 838 (Link)
Metz, bibliothèque mediathèque, 397 (Link)
Namur, Bibliothèque publique, 15
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Trier, Stadtbibliothek, 388 (966)

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