St. Bernard of Clairvaux

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Feastday: August 20
Died: 1153

St. Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church 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.

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1 - 13 of 13 Comments

Wendy
1 week ago
Dear St. Bernard. Please intercede for the poor and the sick. Many have lost their jobs and have no money to pay the morgage. Because of this they are sick. St. Bernard please interced for all of them.
Joseph Mathew
8 months ago
St. Bernard, Please pray for us and our children.
christie
8 months ago
Happy feast day st. Bernard. I love the story of your extraordinary, saintly and holy life. Pray for us to love Christ. and His beloved Mother. Grant us great graces to live lives pleasing to God. I thank God for His blessings on my students. Give me the gift of innovative ideas, interesting lessons. I pray that my students may improve and become outstanding readers and writers, listeners and speakers. Help me to contribute in Church, family and school life. This I ask in Jesus name. Amen
chet bas
8 months ago
happy feast day St. Bernard. thank you for assisting my mom and i today
Doris
8 months ago
Dear St. Bernard, Your life was devoted in service to the Lord despite your high economic status and yet you chose to live in austerity. I adore you. Please intercede for me for graces in my own family and loved ones. Life's tribulations are inevitable and it's through these difficult times that our faith is tested and we obtain God's graces. I pray that we obtain mercy, endurance and comfort that your son Jesus is always beside us. Amen
Mona
8 months ago
Dear Saint Bernard please pray for Jacob the he finds the right path, for his parents that they find the strenght and wisdom to guide him and for all cancer patients that they are able to deal with their disease.
Thomas Ashu
1 year ago
St.Bernard,pray for me and my family
christie
1 year ago
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, I was interested in what I read about you, since although your name is popular, I knew very little about you. I'm pleased to read about your holy piety and 'spirit of recollection". I'm wondering how to have the spirit of recollection, when I find it so common to get preoccupied with grumblings, complaints and obsessions of daily life. It must be the Holy Spirit's giftt to rise above these diversions. Please pray for me and my family, to care for the aged and homebound. Send your consolation, grace and comfort to the bedridden, who had once been active in the service of the Lord. Use your gift of miracles to help all little children born with terrible afflictions. May they rise above their difficulties, learn, progress and flourish. This I ask in Jesus name. Amen.
Peter umeh
1 year ago
St Bernard pray 4 us
Brady Swanson
2 years ago
i loved it so much
Anthony
2 years ago
He is the patron saint of candlemakers and bee keepers.
MaddyD.
2 years ago
you didn't list his patronage (what is he the patron Saint of ?)
Melissa
2 years ago
I look forward daily to reading about the saints, it is so inspiring and has often led me to further study. Thank you for providing this format.

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