Order of Aubrac

The Order of Aubrac was a hospitaller and military order founded, with its headquarters at Aubrac in the Diocese of Rodez, in the mid-twelfth century. The Augustinian rule was approved for the order by the bishop in 1162. Its original purpose was to safeguard the local hospital for pilgrims on the Way of Saint James to Compostela and on their way to Rome. Though never large, the Knights Hospitaller failed in several attempts to annex it and it remained independent and operational until the French Revolution, when it disappeared.

The monastery and hospital (Hôtel-Dieu) that served as the Order's headquarters was called the Dômerie d'Aubrac. It was founded in 1031 by Adalard, Viscount of Flanders, who was beset by brigands while passing through the County of Rouergue on his way to Compostela. Eventually it was attended by a collection of priests, knights, lay brothers, ladies, and lay sisters. Satellite hospitals, called "commanderies", were established at Bozouls, Milhau, Nazac, and Rodez.

References

• Goyau, Georges. 1912. "Rodez." The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved 22 February 2009 from New Advent.
• Walsh, Michael. 2003. Warriors of the Lord: The Military Orders of Christendom. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing. ISBN 0 8028 2109 X.