Saint Robert of Newminster was a priest and then a Benedictine monk before he joined a group of monks to establish a new abbey at Newminster in twelfth century England. The new abbey followed the Cistercian reform of religious life, with the manual labor and strong emphasis on prayer typical of the order.
His fellow monks loved Robert for his modesty and kindness, and he became a greatly beloved abbot for many years, even founding three more religious houses. He was known for being strict with himself, particularly through long fasts, but he was merciful with his monks. He died on this date in 1159.
Saint Robert, teach me how to be gentle with others.