Catholic Saints Podcast: St. Aelred of Rievaulx

Host: Taylor Kemp
Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Klein
Date: January 12, 2026
Produced by: Augustine Institute

Episode Overview

This episode explores the life and spirituality of St. Aelred of Rievaulx, a 12th-century Cistercian abbot from Northumbria, England. Through engaging conversation, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Elizabeth Klein illuminate Aelred's commitment to Christian friendship, his compassionate leadership, and his profound influence on monastic life. The discussion draws on Dr. Klein’s scholarly experience and personal affinity for Aelred, particularly highlighting his unique approach to monastic community and spiritual friendship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to St. Aelred of Rievaulx

• Background:

  • Aelred was a Cistercian abbot in 12th-century England, specifically in Northumbria ([00:56]).
  • Originally served at the court of King David of Scotland before pursuing monastic life.

• Personal Connection:

  • Dr. Klein first encountered Aelred during her PhD studies, before converting to Catholicism ([01:06]).
  • She explains how discovering saints’ lives deeply impacted her spiritual journey.

2. Aelred’s Conversion and Spiritual Influences

• Influence of St. Augustine:
  • Reading St. Augustine’s Confessions inspired Aelred to leave his secular position and join the monastery ([02:11]).
  • On his deathbed, Aelred reportedly bequeathed only a crucifix, a copy of St. John's Gospel, and Augustine’s Confessions to his monks ([02:57]).

“He always had with him Augustine's Confessions and St. John's Gospel… On his deathbed, his only possessions… were a crucifix, a copy of St. John's Gospel, and a copy of the Confessions.”
– Dr. Elizabeth Klein ([02:57])

3. The Cistercian Order and Monastic Reform

• Context of Reform:
  • The Cistercians aimed to restore strict observance of the Rule of St. Benedict, dissatisfied with the perceived laxity of other Benedictine houses ([03:55]).
  • Notable figures in the movement include Bernard of Clairvaux, under whose influence the Cistercians rapidly expanded (from 2 to 300 monasteries during his lifetime) ([03:56]).

4. The Life of Aelred by Walter Daniel

• Intimate Portrait:
  • Aelred’s biography was written by Walter Daniel, a monk who was with him for 17 years. The biography focuses on Aelred’s monastic life and leadership, rather than his political involvements ([04:54]).
  • Aelred is depicted as both a ‘holy father’ and a ‘loving father’, deeply committed to the well-being and salvation of his monks ([05:53]).

“He was just a really compassionate guy who wanted to befriend his monks and lead them to salvation.”
– Dr. Elizabeth Klein ([05:54])

5. Aelred’s Writings and Theology of Friendship

• Major Works:

  • Life of Edward the Confessor
  • Mirror of Charity
  • Treatise on Christian Friendship (his most distinctive contribution)

• Christian Friendship:

  • Aelred’s treatise on friendship draws heavily on Augustine and Cicero.
  • He critiques Cicero’s view of friendship for lacking Christ, advocating instead for a vision rooted in shared love for Christ (referencing Acts 4:32) ([06:55]).
  • Dr. Klein notes how Aelred reimagines the monastic life as striving for the “perfection of Christian friendship” ([07:18]).

“The goal [of monastic life] was the perfection of Christian friendship.”
– Dr. Elizabeth Klein ([07:18])

• Friendship as Communal and Spiritual:
  • Aelred emphasizes that monastic life is not just about personal holiness, but about living in deep, communal friendship with others, with Christ in their midst ([07:19]).

6. Compassionate Leadership: The Story of the Unstable Monk (Approx. [08:59]–[14:00])

• The unstable monk:
  • Walter Daniel’s biography includes episodes about a monk struggling to remain in monastic life.
  • Aelred, instead of casting him out, prays for him, offers compassion, and is willing to make accommodations for the sake of his perseverance.

“I am prepared to give you better food to eat and softer raiment, and to grant you every indulgence allowable to a monk, if only you will persevere and bring yourself to live with me in the monastery.”
– Dr. Elizabeth Klein reading from Walter Daniel ([10:40])

• At one point, Aelred vows to go on a hunger strike until the monk returns, exemplifying his deep compassion and commitment.

• Lesson in Charity:

  • Aelred’s charity extends even to those whom others considered lost causes, refusing to expel monks and making every effort toward their salvation.

“Who would go on a hunger strike for a loser like that?... We wouldn’t even go on a hunger strike for someone we liked because… we don’t value friendship and we don’t really invest in people.”
– Dr. Elizabeth Klein ([15:17])

7. Challenges and Relevance of Christian Friendship

• Modern Lessons:

  • Aelred’s example is contrasted with the contemporary tendency to ‘unfriend’ or ignore those who are difficult or different ([13:23], [15:17]).
  • Dr. Klein underlines the need for Christians to cultivate friendship rooted in charity, compassion, and shared pursuit of Christ.

• Boundaries and Essentials:

  • The discussion highlights Aelred’s prioritization of essentials (salvation) over strict adherence to non-essentials, demonstrating loving flexibility for the sake of souls ([16:13]).

8. Authenticity in Hagiography ([17:09]–[19:12])

• Debate over Miracles:
  • After Walter Daniel wrote Aelred’s life, some local priests doubted the veracity of his miracle accounts.
  • Walter Daniel responded by acknowledging the use of rhetorical techniques (like hyperbole) to inspire and teach, offering eyewitnesses for events and explaining the intentions behind his descriptions.

“He’s like, ever heard of this thing called rhetoric? So when I did this, it was called hyperbole… So I think that can be helpful for those of you… who… read these ridiculous things… This is a really interesting little glimpse into how the authors were thinking.”
– Dr. Elizabeth Klein ([18:38])

9. Takeaway: The Legacy of St. Aelred

• Core Message:
  • Aelred embodies the ideal of Christian friendship, modeling compassion, perseverance, and love for others.
  • Dr. Klein urges listeners to “cultivate Christian friendships because you love other Christians” ([19:21]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Aelred’s Detachment from Worldly Goods:

  • “On his deathbed, his only possessions… were a crucifix, a copy of St. John’s Gospel, and a copy of the Confessions.”
    – Dr. Elizabeth Klein ([02:57])

• On Monastic Friendship:

  • “The goal was like, the perfection of Christian friendship… living in concord and having your whole soul and mind in common.”
    – Dr. Elizabeth Klein ([07:18])

• On Compassion for the Difficult:

  • “Who would go on a hunger strike for a loser like that?”
    – Dr. Elizabeth Klein ([15:17])

• On the Role of Rhetoric in Saints’ Lives:

  • “He’s like, ever heard of this thing called rhetoric? So when I did this, it was called hyperbole… describing like what we experience.”
    – Dr. Elizabeth Klein ([18:38])

• Final Takeaway:

  • “Aelred—Christian friendship. Cultivate Christian friendships because you love other Christians.”
    – Dr. Elizabeth Klein ([19:21])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:56 – Introduction to St. Aelred; Historical context
• 02:11 – Aelred’s conversion; Influence of Augustine
• 03:55 – The Cistercian reform and its impact
• 04:54 – The Life of Aelred by Walter Daniel
• 05:53 – Aelred as both holy and loving father
• 06:55 – Aelred’s treatise on Christian friendship; Sources of inspiration
• 08:59–14:00 – The story of the unstable monk; Aelred’s compassion
• 15:17 – Lessons on modern friendship and Aelred’s unwavering charity
• 17:09–19:12 – Debates on miracles; Understanding hagiographical style
• 19:21 – Core takeaway: Christian friendship as Aelred’s legacy

Conclusion

Through delightful storytelling and keen theological insight, this episode provides a compelling introduction to St. Aelred of Rievaulx. Listeners are invited to ponder the value of Christian friendship—not only in monastic life but in their own communities—and to seek the kind of compassionate, enduring love exemplified by Aelred.

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