Saint of the day, August 20
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was a Cistercian abbot, influential theologian, and devoted servant of the Church whose teachings earned him recognition as a Doctor of the Church.
Aug. 20: St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Born: 1090 near Dijon in Burgundy, France
Died: Aug. 20, 1153, in Clairvaux, France
Nationality: French
Vocation: Priest
Attributes: Crosier
Patronage: Beekeepers and candlemakers
Canonization: January 18, 1174, by Pope Alexander III
St. Bernard was born in 1090 near Dijon in the Burgundy region of France. Growing up, he excelled in his studies and developed a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. At about age 22, he entered the Cistercian monastery at Cîteaux. Many of his friends and family members initially tried to persuade St. Bernard not to enter, but after talking to him, they decided to follow him into religious life. In total, around thirty of his brothers, relatives, and friends joined him at Cîteaux.
In 1115, St. Bernard and 12 other monks traveled to a remote valley to establish a new monastery, which became known as Clairvaux Abbey. St. Bernard served as its abbot for the rest of his life. He became known for his powerful preaching, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, theological insight, and efforts to resolve disputes within the Church.
St. Bernard helped end a papal schism by defending Pope Innocent II’s claim to the papacy. At the request of Pope Eugene III, he also preached in support of the Second Crusade. Although his growing influence drew him into major Church and political affairs, St. Bernard deeply desired a quiet, contemplative life and strove to balance that desire with the demands of his public ministry. He wrote numerous theological works, including a commentary on the Song of Songs.
St. Bernard died at Clairvaux Abbey on Aug. 20, 1153. Pope Alexander III canonized him in 1174, and Pope Pius VIII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1830 in recognition of his influential theological writings and teachings.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, pray for us.
