St. Fulbert of Chartres

Fulbert of Chartres is one of those bishops whose learning became pastoral strength rather than personal display. Born in humble circumstances and educated to unusual distinction, he helped make the schools of Chartres one of the major centers of Christian thought in his age. Yet he is not simply a master of students. As bishop he preached, governed, corrected abuses, resisted simony, rebuilt after catastrophe, and deepened the Marian devotion for which Chartres became famous.

What gives the life its grace is the humility running through all that public usefulness. Kings, bishops, and scholars sought his judgment, yet he liked to call himself only the very little bishop of a very great church. The phrase fits the man. Learning in him never broke away from service.