SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH – 20th AUGUST

FEAST OF SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVOUX, ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH 
FEAST DAY – 20th AUGUST

Bernard of Clairvaux, O. Cist. (1090 – 20 August 1153), venerated as Saint Bernard, was a Burgundian abbot and a major leader in the revitalization of Benedictine monasticism through the nascent Cistercian Order. He was sent to found Clairvaux Abbey at an isolated clearing in a glen known as the Val d’Absinthe, about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) southeast of Bar-sur-Aube.

In the year 1128, Bernard attended the Council of Troyes, at which he traced the outlines of the Rule of the Knights Templar, which soon became an ideal of Christian nobility. On the death of Pope Honorius II in 1130, a schism arose in the church. Bernard was a major proponent of Pope Innocent II, arguing effectively for his legitimacy over the Antipope Anacletus II.

In 1139, Bernard attended the Second Council of the Lateran and criticized Peter Abelard vocally. Bernard advocated crusades in general and convinced many to participate in the unsuccessful Second Crusade, notably through a famous sermon at Vézelay. He traveled with an entourage, drew enormous crowds, was wildly popular, and called the cream of society his friends.

The details of Saint Bernard’s life, though he lived before even Saint Francis of Assisi, the Magna Carta, and Dante, are abundantly documented. He was nearly as prolific a writer as Saint Augustine, but primarily via letters, not thick books. And these letters outline his character in sharp profile. He was intelligent, emotion laden, erudite, forceful, and contemplative.

He spoke and wrote poetically, beautifully, clearly, and deeply. Pope Pius XII called him “the last of the Fathers” of the Church. The death of his contemporaries served as a warning to Bernard of his own approaching end. The first to die was Suger in 1152, of whom Bernard wrote to Eugene III, “If there is any precious vase adorning the palace of the King of Kings it is the soul of the venerable Suger”.

Conrad III and his son Henry died the same year. Bernard died at age sixty-three on 20 August 1153, after forty years of monastic life. He was buried at Clairvaux Abbey, and after its dissolution in 1792 by the French revolutionary government his remains were transferred to Troyes Cathedral.

Bernard’s authentic and tender devotion to the Virgin Mary was expressed sublimely in his writings. The Queen of this mystical white rose he wrote about is the Virgin, and “faithful Bernard” gazes in silent admiration at the woman he loves so dearly. Saint Bernard was canonized just 21 years after his death by Pope Alexander III. In 1830 Pope Pius VIII declared him a Doctor of the Church.

CONTEMPLATING THE LIFE OF SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX

BERNARD OF FIRE AND SILENCE

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was born in 1090 in Fontaines, near Dijon, France, into a noble family. From childhood, he was deeply drawn to prayer and solitude. The death of his devout mother, Aleth, strengthened his desire to give his life completely to God.

THE GREAT LEAVING

In 1112, Bernard entered the Cistercian monastery at Cîteaux, accompanied by his brothers, relatives and friends. He embraced the Cistercian ideals of simplicity, silence, prayer and disciplined living. Three years later, he was sent to establish a new monastery at Clairvaux, a harsh and barren valley. Under his leadership, it became a flourishing centre of prayer and spiritual renewal.

A VOICE IN THE STORM

Bernard became one of the most influential spiritual leaders of his time. During the papal schism of 1130, when two men claimed to be pope, he strongly supported Pope Innocent II. He travelled widely, preached and wrote letters to kings and rulers, helping to restore unity within the Church.

THE RELUCTANT CRUSADER

When Edessa fell in 1144, Pope Eugene III asked Bernard to preach the Second Crusade. Though reluctant, Bernard obeyed. His preaching inspired many to take the cross, but the Crusade ended in failure. Bernard was deeply saddened and accepted the burden of responsibility, yet he continued to place his trust in God.

THE WOUNDED HEALER

Bernard suffered from poor health and severe physical weakness, yet his spiritual influence remained immense. He wrote extensively on the love of God, the Song of Songs and the spiritual life. His letters offered guidance to popes, kings, monks and ordinary people. Although he became one of the most powerful voices of his age, he remained devoted to contemplation and prayer.

SUNSET AT CLAIRVAUX

Bernard died on August 20, 1153, after dedicating his life to the renewal of monasticism and the service of the Church. He founded and inspired numerous monasteries and became known for his profound love of Christ. In 1830, Pope Pius VIII declared him a Doctor of the Church.

THE HEART OF BERNARD

Bernard believed that the depth of spiritual progress could be measured by the depth of one’s love. His life teaches that true greatness does not come from power or status, but from surrender to God. He carried the flame of divine love into a troubled age and invited others to seek nothing more than Christ.

PRAYER TO SEEK THE FACE OF CHRIST

O Lord, You drew Saint Bernard into the silence of the cloister and set his heart aflame with love for You.

Teach me to seek You in stillness, to speak only what flows from prayer and to love You not for reward, but because You are Love itself.

Through the intercession of Mary, whom Bernard called Star of the Sea, guide me through the storms of life until I behold Your face in the peace that never ends. Amen

PRAYER

Saint Bernard, may we see in your devotion to Mary, endless travels, strict life, and keen eye for beauty, the model of an educated and devoted monk.

Intercede for all religious, and for all those with a contemplative heart who are in the world, to love God half as well as you did.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, pray for us.

(excerpts : mycatholiclife)