Blessed Humbert III of Savoy

Blessed Humbert III of Savoy was a Catholic nobleman who lived in the 12th century. He is sometimes called Humbert the Blessed or Humbert of Maurienne. He was the Count of Savoy and ruled with a strong faith in God. Even though he had great power, he always tried to live a holy and humble life.

Humbert was known for being a good ruler and a man of prayer. He worked hard to bring peace to his lands and protect the Church. Many people respected him for his kindness and fairness. He cared about justice and mercy.

He lived at a time when many rulers used their power for selfish reasons. Humbert was different. He saw his role as a duty given by God. He tried to serve his people and not just himself.

The Church later honored him as Blessed because of his holy life. Today, people remember him for his faith, his leadership, and his service to God and others.

Humbert III was born in 1136 in Avigliana, which is in modern-day Italy. He came from a powerful family. His father was Count Amadeus III of Savoy, and his mother was Mahaut of Albon. His family was close to the Church and very respected.

Humbert lost his mother when he was young. This loss made a deep mark on him. His father made sure he was well-educated. Humbert learned about leadership, battle, and faith. From an early age, he showed a love for prayer and a dislike for war.

When his father went on a Crusade, Humbert was left behind because he was still a boy. His father died during the Crusade. Humbert became the new Count of Savoy when he was only about thirteen years old.

It was a heavy burden for someone so young. But Humbert trusted in God and took on his role seriously. His early years taught him how hard leadership could be. They also deepened his wish to live a holy life even in a world full of conflict.

As Count of Savoy, Humbert had many challenges. His land was between powerful kingdoms like France and Italy. Wars often broke out in Europe during this time. Many expected Humbert to act like other rulers and fight for more land and power.

But Humbert wanted peace. He worked hard to avoid wars and keep good relationships with his neighbors. When he did have to defend his lands, he tried to do so justly. He avoided violence as much as he could.

He also supported the Church strongly. He helped build monasteries and churches. He gave money and land to religious orders. He believed rulers should protect and support the Church.

Humbert sometimes faced problems with kings and emperors. Some wanted to control Savoy or interfere with the Church. Humbert stayed firm. He put his trust in God more than in politics or armies.

Even though he was a powerful man, Humbert lived a very simple and prayerful life. He spent time with monks and priests. He listened to their advice. He also practiced penance and fasting.

Humbert married four times because his first three wives died young. He did not remarry out of selfish desire but because he needed an heir to protect Savoy. Marriage was part of his duty as a ruler. His marriages were respectful and faithful.

He had children, including his son Thomas, who would later become Count after him. Humbert taught his children to love the Church and to live good lives. He wanted them to lead with kindness, not pride.

Even though he lived in a castle and had wealth, Humbert never let riches control him. He used what he had to serve God and help others. His rule showed that it was possible to be both powerful and good.

In his later years, Humbert faced many sorrows. His wives died young, and he struggled with loneliness. He also faced political troubles and threats to his lands. Yet he never lost his faith.

He often retreated to monasteries to pray and seek peace. Some say he wanted to give up being Count and become a monk. But he knew God had called him to stay and lead his people.

In 1189, Humbert died peacefully. People mourned him deeply because they knew he had been a just and holy ruler. He left behind a strong Savoy and a legacy of faith and service.

After his death, many stories spread about his kindness and goodness. People remembered him not just as a great count but as a man who loved God above all.

The Church recognized Humbert’s holy life many years after his death. Pope Gregory XVI beatified him in 1838. That means the Church officially declared him Blessed and worthy of public honor.

His feast day is celebrated on March 4. On this day, Catholics remember his life of service, prayer, and leadership.

Blessed Humbert III is the patron of difficult marriages and large families. This comes from his own experience of marriage and raising a family while facing many troubles.

Today, he is remembered as a man who lived with great faith in a time of violence and greed. Blessed Humbert III shows that even rulers can live lives of holiness and peace when they trust in God.