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 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. |
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