Ablebert of Cambrai

Holy Hierarch Ablebert of Cambrai, also called Emebert, was bishop of Cambrai and Arras in the first half of the 7th century; he reposed around 645 at Ham. In the oldest catalogues of the bishops of Cambrai, from the 9th century, his name appears in fifth or sixth place after Saint Vedast, considered the founder of the diocese. Later catalogues, of the 11th century, confuse him with Hildebert, the ninth bishop, brother of Saint Gudula.

Nothing is known of his life. What is certain is only that he was bishop in the first half of the 7th century: his predecessor, Bertoaldus, is attested at the council of Clichy in 627, while his successor, Audebertus, first appears in documents around 645-652. At that time the bishops united the dioceses of Cambrai and Arras. Ablebert was apparently from Brabant; according to tradition he died at Ham and was buried in the church of Saint Aldegund at Maubeuge. The martyrology reformed after the Second Vatican Council commemorates him on 15 January, by the Western calendar (new style). He is honored as a saint of the undivided Church.