Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

He saw Mary as the perfect model of discipleship, the one who most perfectly fulfilled the will of God and the Mother of all believers, who could turn to Her in every need and danger.

Bernard was born in 1090, in a castle of Fontaine-les-Dijon of Burgundy to noble parents, as the 3rd of 7 children. His father, Tescelin, was a knight in the service of the Duke, and his mother was Blessed Aleth de Montbard. 4 of their children have been beatified.

He was destined for a career that involved power and influence in the secular world but from an early age, he felt a call to the monastic life. His mother died when he was young and he received his education from priests, further driving his call.

He was graced with great personal attractiveness and his holiness stirred faith in those who encountered him so much so, that at 22, when he decided to enter the Benedictine monastery of Citeaux, 3 of his brothers and 31 of his friends followed him and joined as well.

After 3 years, because of his zeal for reform, ascetic lifestyle, and powerful preaching, his abbot sent him to found a new monastery in Champagne which became the Abbey of Clairvaux. He was ordained and became abbot. The early years were harsh with extreme conditions and scarce resources.

After entrusting themselves to prayer under his direction, the community miraculously received a donation exactly equal to what was needed and the event contributed to Bernard’s reputation as a miracle worker. Even 2 of his uncles became monks at Clairvaux. They came be known as the Cistercians.

He was zealous and demanding but a breakdown in health taught him patience and understanding.

He spent extended time outside the abbey as a preacher and a diplomat for the Pope. He fought against the Albigensian heresy, wrote treatises in defense of the faith, and at their request, wrote the rules for the Knights Templar. He was involved in the 2nd Crusade, the schism of the Antipope Anacletus II, and the condemnation of the teachings of Peter Abelard. Still, he spirituality remained profoundly contemplative, centered on the mysteries of Christ and the Blessed Virgin.

He was one of the key figures in the Order’s expansion, founding as many as 72 monasteries throughout Europe.

He wrote many letters to bishops, urging them to holiness. He himself lived in an extremely austere manner, to the point of compromising his health so his Bishop imposed on him a less strict diet to regain his health.

In 1152, he fell gravely ill and everyone thought his end was near, but the Bishop of Metz begged him to intervene to end a civil war that was devastating his diocese. Though Bernard was very weak, he was moved by compassion, went to the site, fulfilled his mission, and returned completely exhausted.

His monks gathered around his bed, begging him not to leave them. Torn, he replied with, “I do not know whom to obey: the love of my sons, who ask me to stay, or the love of God, who calls me to Himself…”

He died on August 20, 1153, at the age of 63, surrounded by fellow monks.

At the time of his death, there were 160 abbeys stemming from Clairvaux.

He has been declared a Doctor of the Church.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux sang of the Virgin Mary with words of extraordinary beauty and spiritual depth, especially in his commentary on the Annunciation, where he highlights Mary’s unique role in the mystery of the Incarnation.

He is the patron saint of Cisterians, beekeepers, candlemakers, the Knights Templar, and Burgundy, France.

His feast day is August 20.

For God’s Glory.

Some writings of Saint Bernard in PDF for free download: