Twelfth-century Cistercian abbot of Clairvaux and Doctor of the Church, known for his love of the Virgin Mary.
Life
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was born in 1090 near Dijon, France. In 1113 he led several of his brothers and friends into the monastery of Cîteaux, known for its strict life, and in 1115 founded a new monastery at Clairvaux, where he became abbot.
Through his influence the Cistercians spread across Europe. He advised popes and rulers, worked to heal a division in the Church and, at the pope's request, preached the Second Crusade. His sermons on the Song of Songs and his writings on Mary are still treasured.
He died in 1153, was canonized in 1174 and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1830. The Church remembers him on August 20.
Spirituality
Bernard's spirituality is the joy of loving God. He taught that the reason for loving God is God himself, and that this love has no limit. His honeyed words earned him the title Mellifluous Doctor, and he showed deep trust in Mary.
Reflection
Bernard urged people to look to Mary in times of trouble. If your heart is unsettled right now, would you pray even one Hail Mary slowly today and ask her for help?