However, as the settlement's fame grew, gifts came in and the wealth attracted new monks more lax in their observance of the rule.

Robert twice left the monastery to live as a hermit, and twice the pope ordered him back to his community.

[1] However, the monks of Molesme petitioned Pope Urban II that Robert return to them and vowed obedience to the Rule of St. Benedict.

Albéric also decided to move the monastery's buildings a kilometer to the north and initiated construction on the first abbey church.

[1] Alberic's feast day, together with that of Robert of Molesme and Stephen Harding, is celebrated on 26 January.