TheOrder of Saint-Ruf was aCatholic religious order ofcanons regular following therule of Saint Augustine from 1039 until 1774. It traced its history back to the foundation of its mother house and namesake, theabbey of Saint-Ruf in Avignon.[1]
In the late 11th century, Saint-Ruf was associated with theGregorian reform.[1] In 1092,Pope Urban II confirmed itscustoms and its properties.[2] By 1095, it had acquired nine churches. Following the introduction of theordo novus (new order), a stricter interpretation of the rule of Saint Augustine, byNorbert of Xanten, the Order of Saint-Ruf defended the more moderateordo antiquus (old order).[1] In 1154, a member of the order was electedPope Adrian IV.[2][3] In 1158, the headquarters of the order was moved toa new abbey in Valence [fr].[1] The abbey received privileges from theEmperor Frederick I, as it came under direct imperial authority. BishopOdo of Valence [fr] recognized its exemption.Pope Innocent IV (r. 1243–1254) confirmed it as directly subordinate to the Holy Seenullo medio.[4]
Pope Urban V (r. 1362–1370) founded the College of Saint-Ruf inMontpellier. In 1482, in his capacity ascommendatory abbot,Giuliano della Rovere issued new statutes for the order. In 1488,Pope Innocent VIII confirmed the orders possessions. The 16th century was a period of decline, marked by theFrench Wars of Religion.[5] By the 18th century, the order had incurred severe debts. It was suppressed and its propertiessecularized in 1774.[1]