What's obvious to others is not always apparent to ourselves

Have you ever known someone with numerous talents and skills, but no awareness or confidence in their abilities, even though they are obvious to everyone else?

St. Hugh of Grenoble was one of those people. And he never seemed to catch on, despite the strong affirmation he received over the course of many years.

St. Hugh was born in 1052 at Chateauneuf, France. As a young man, he was known for his manners and modesty. He held an important position at the Valence cathedral, even though he was a layman.

Bishop Hugh of Die was so impressed by the young man that he made him one of his aides, working on the campaign against sim-ony (buying and selling of church offices).

In 1080, while attending a synod at Avignon that was called to discuss the problems in the Diocese of Grenoble, which had no bishop at the time, Hugh was elected bishop, even though he was still a layman.

The papal legate ordained him and he went to Rome where he was consecrated by Pope Gregory VII.

Immediately, Hugh began carrying out his plans to reform the Grenoble Diocese. He denounced simony and usury (the lending of money at high interest rates), restored clerical celibacy and discipline, and improved diocesan finances.

After two years and a great deal of progress, Hugh became discouraged, and left Grenoble to become a Benedictine monk at Chaise-Dieu Abbey because he did not believe he was having any success.

But as soon as he received word of Hugh's departure, Pope Gregory ordered him back to Grenoble. Several more times, he tried to resign, but each time the pope refused because of Hugh's abilities.

Hugh was known for his generosity in caring for the poor. Once, during a famine, he sold a gold chalice and his rings to raise money to feed the hungry. He so impressed the rich that several followed his example.

In 1084, when St. Bruno and six companions came to Grenoble looking to found a community, Hugh welcomed them and gave them the land on which they built the Grande Chartreuse. And thus began the Order of Carthusian monks. Bruno even became Hugh's confessor. And Hugh's father, Odilo, became a Carthusian and died in his son's arms after receiving the viaticum.

After a long and painful illness, Hugh died in 1132 on April 1, the day on which we celebrate his feast. He was canonized two years later by Pope Innocent II.