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 studies of theology and Holy Scripture.

 He also persuaded his brothers and several of his friends to follow his example. In 1113 at the age of 22, St. Bernard, with thirty young noblemen, presented himself to the holy Abbot, St. Stephen, at Citeaux. After a novitiate spent in great fervour, he made his profession in the following year. Seeing the great progress he had made in the spiritual life, his superior soon after sent him with twelve monks to found a new monastery, which later 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 honour of God. Several Bishoprics were offered to 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 111 to preach to the second Crusade. In obedience to the Sovereign Pontiff, he travelled through France and Germany, and aroused great 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 this 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.