St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Abbot and Doctor of the Church, Mellifluous Doctor
📖 Life of St. Bernard
St. Bernard was born of noble parentage in Burgundy, France, in the castle of Fontaines near Dijon. Under the care of his pious parents he was sent at an early age to a college at Chatillon, where he was conspicuous for his remarkable piety and spirit of recollection. At the same place he entered upon the studies of theology and Holy Scripture.
After the death of his mother, fearing the snares and temptations of the world, he resolved to embrace the newly established and very austere institute of the Cistercian Order, of which he was destined to become the greatest ornament. He also persuaded his brothers and several of his friends to follow his example.
In 1113, St. Bernard, with thirty young noblemen, presented himself to the holy Abbot, St. Stephen, at Citeaux. After a novitiate spent in great fervor, he made his profession in the following year. His superior soon after, seeing the great progress he had made in the spiritual life, sent him with twelve monks to found a new monastery, which afterward became known as the celebrated Abbey of Clairvaux.
St. Bernard was at once appointed Abbot and began that active life which has rendered him the most conspicuous figure in the history of the 12th century. He founded numerous other monasteries, composed a number of works and undertook many journeys for the honor of God. Several Bishoprics were offered him, but he refused them all.
The reputation of St. Bernard spread far and wide; even the Popes were governed by his advice. He was commissioned by Pope Eugene III to preach the second Crusade. In obedience to the Sovereign Pontiff he traveled through France and Germany, and aroused the greatest enthusiasm for the holy war among the masses of the population. The failure of the expedition raised a great storm against the saint, but he attributed it to the sins of the Crusaders.
St. Bernard was eminently endowed with the gift of miracles. He died on August 20, 1153. His feast day is August 20.
🌟 Legacy of St. Bernard: Doctor of the Church
Mellifluous Doctor
St. Bernard earned the title "Mellifluous Doctor" for his honey-sweet eloquence in preaching and writing. His sermons and treatises on the love of God, the Virgin Mary, and the spiritual life continue to inspire Christians today. His writings are considered among the most beautiful and profound in Christian literature.
Reformer of the Cistercian Order
As the most prominent figure of the Cistercian Order, St. Bernard helped establish and spread the reform movement that emphasized poverty, manual labor, and strict adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict. Under his leadership, the Abbey of Clairvaux became a center of spiritual renewal and learning.
Influential Church Leader
St. Bernard's influence extended far beyond the monastery walls. He was a trusted advisor to popes and kings, played a crucial role in resolving church disputes, and was instrumental in the election of Pope Innocent II. His counsel was sought by the highest authorities of his time.
Devotion to the Virgin Mary
St. Bernard was one of the greatest champions of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His sermons and writings on Mary helped establish the foundation for much of the Church's Marian theology and devotion. He is particularly known for his beautiful prayers and hymns to Our Lady.
📅 Feast Day
Feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot and Doctor of the Church
Liturgical Celebration
The feast of St. Bernard is celebrated on August 20th, commemorating his death and his contributions to the Church as a Doctor of the Church. This date honors his profound spirituality, his role in reforming monastic life, and his extensive writings on theology and spirituality.
Monastic Traditions
In Cistercian monasteries and other religious communities, St. Bernard's feast day is celebrated with special Masses and readings from his works. His writings on the love of God and the spiritual life are often the focus of meditation and study on this day.
Prayer and Devotion
The feast day is an excellent time to pray for the Church, for religious vocations, and to ask for St. Bernard's intercession in deepening our love for God and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many people also pray for the grace to live a more contemplative and prayerful life.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Beekeepers: Due to his "mellifluous" preaching
- • Cistercian Order: The monastic order he helped reform
- • Gibraltar: Patron of the British territory
- • Preachers: Those who proclaim the Word of God
- • Wax Makers: Associated with his honey-sweet words
- • France: His homeland
Special Intentions
- • Spiritual Writing: Those who write about faith
- • Monastic Life: Religious communities
- • Church Unity: Resolving divisions
- • Marian Devotion: Love for the Blessed Virgin
- • Contemplative Prayer: Deep spiritual life
- • Religious Vocations: Those discerning religious life
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to St. Bernard
"O God, who made St. Bernard a burning and shining light in your Church, grant that through his intercession we may be on fire with the same spirit of discipline and love, and walk always as children of light in the way of Christ.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
St. Bernard's Prayer to the Virgin Mary
"Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen."
Prayer for Spiritual Growth
"St. Bernard, mellifluous doctor of the Church, help us to grow in our love for God and neighbor. Teach us to seek God with the same fervor and devotion that characterized your life.
May we, like you, find our strength in prayer and contemplation, and may our words and actions always reflect the love of Christ. Amen."
Related Saints
St. Benedict
Father of Western monasticism and author of the Rule that St. Bernard followed.
St. Thomas Aquinas
Another great Doctor of the Church, known for his theological writings.
St. Francis
Another great medieval saint who reformed religious life and preached the Gospel.