Alinard (or Halynard)

Alinard (Or Halynard)

a French prelate, was born in the last half of the 10th century. He joined the Benedictine friars at the monastery of St. Bdnigne, at Dijon. His parents, who belonged to the first families of Burgundy, attempted by persuasion and derision to deter him from this purpose, but in vain. Alinard was made priest at St. Benigne; and his wise administration, together with his saintly life, won for him the esteem of kings Robert and Henry I, as well as of the emperors of Germany, Conrad and Henry III. The position becoming vacant, the people of Lyons demanded Alinard for their archbishop, but he modestly refused until ordered by pope Gregory VI to accept. When he presented himself to receive the investiture, the emperor wished him to take the oath of fidelity, but he refused, asserting that his promise was sufficient, and that he preferred to remain a priest rather than take an oath. This firmness pleased the monarch, who wished to assist at the consecration of Alinard (1046). In 1047 the emperor went to Rome, taking with him the new archbishop, who, by his affability and eloquence, won the regard of the Romans. After the death of Clement II, the people demanded him for pope, but he secreted himself until Leo IX had been raised to the position. At the request of the new pontiff, Alinard accompanied him to France, Rome, and Monte-Casino, and was employed in the negotiations which preceded the treaty of peace between the Normans and the inhabitants of Lower Italy. The pope, invited to visit the emperor, desired Alinard to remain at Rome in order to take part in the administration of the affairs of the Church. Hugh, who for bad conduct had been deposed from the bishopric of Langres, came to the court of Rome: to solicit his re-establishment. As he was about to return to France, Alinard joined him, with his companions, and dined with him. At the dinner some one administered poison to Alinard, who died in consequence, July 29, 1052, and was interred with high honor in the Church of St. Paul. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.