Gundebertus

Gundebertus (in French Gombert) is a saint of the 7th century from the region of Reims, venerated in the Western Church. The sources tell of him in two ways, so his life remains uncertain.

According to the tradition of the diocese of Reims, he received a careful education, like his brother Nivard, bishop of Reims, and married Berta, known as Saint Bertha of Avenay. He had to defend his inheritance against Bishop Rieul, Nivard's successor, who kept for the churches the gifts Nivard had made. The matter was settled by arbitrators, after which Gombert founded near Reims a monastery dedicated to Saint Peter and endowed it. He then went to Altissol, near Scotland, founded a monastery there, and is said to have been martyred on 29 April at the end of the 7th century. His body was brought back to Avenay, beside his wife.

Another account says that he built the monastery of Avenay for his wife, then withdrew to a monastery on the coast and, setting out to preach in Ireland, was seized on the way and killed by pagans. His day of commemoration is 20 April (formerly 29 April).

As the sources are vague and partly divergent, this life is kept with due reserve.