St. Sisebut

Sisebut was abbot of the Benedictines’ Monastery of Saint Peter in Cardena, Spain. Under his direction, the abbey prospered, becoming one of the country’s most renowned religious houses. Sisebut was remembered for his exceptional self-discipline, his fidelity in observing the monastic rule and customs, his faithful exercise of the priestly ministry, and his solicitude in administering the monastery. He gave the Spanish military hero Rodrigo Diaz del Vivar (“El Cid”) safe refuge in his monastery when the latter had been exiled by King Alfonso VI. It was in Sisebut’s abbey that “El Cid” was later buried. Following Sisebut’s death, a woman suffering from paralysis of the limbs besought his intercession, praying to him and visiting his tomb daily. Upon being instantaneously cured, she walked with newly restored agility all the way around the church, offering thanksgiving to God. In gratitude, the woman funded from her own wealth the construction of a hospice for visiting pilgrims adjoining the chapel containing Sisebut’s body.