St. Robert of Chaise Dieu, also known as Robert de Turlande, was born in Auvergne, France. Robert was born in their property's woods while his mother, a noblewoman, was taking a stroll. According to a local tradition, Robert would become a hermit as a result of his peculiar birth circumstances.

Robert, like many younger sons of noblemen, studied to become a priest. He was accepted as a monk at the renowned Cluny Abbey. In order to learn about St. Benedict's order at Nursia, where Benedict founded the Benedictines, he journeyed to Rome. The Benedictine discipline and the dedication to helping the underprivileged motivated him.

In an attempt to lead a more reflective life, he went back to France. But he gained so many devotees that he had to construct a second convent. Robert was appointed abbot of the renowned Benedictine convent "La Chaise-Dieu," where Pope Clement VI was ordained as a monk.

Robert died on April 17, 1067, and was canonized by Pope Clement VI in 1531. Robert is revered as the patron saint of La Chaise-Dieu convent, abbots, and hermits.

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