St. Bernard of Clairvaux: Abbot, Mystic and Doctor of the Church

When St. Bernard decided to become a monk, he did not go alone. He brought his brothers, an uncle and a crowd of friends with him. That gift for drawing others to God marked his whole life.

A Young Nobleman

Bernard was born in 1090 at Fontaines, near Dijon, in Burgundy, France, into a noble family. His mother, Aleth, was a devout woman who raised her children in faith. After her death, Bernard felt drawn to the religious life.

In 1113, at twenty-two, he arrived at the poor and struggling abbey of Cîteaux, which followed the Rule of St. Benedict strictly. With him came about thirty relatives and friends, including four of his brothers. Their arrival saved the community.

Clairvaux

In 1115 Bernard was sent with twelve monks to found a new abbey in a wild valley. He named it Clairvaux, “valley of light.” The early years were hard and the food poor, but the community grew. Through Clairvaux and its daughter houses, the Cistercian order spread across Europe. About seventy monasteries were founded from Clairvaux during Bernard’s life.

Counselor of Popes

Though he wanted only to be a monk, Bernard was drawn into the great affairs of his time. He helped end a schism by supporting Pope Innocent II. When one of his own monks became Pope Eugene III, Bernard wrote him a book, On Consideration, warning him not to let business crowd out prayer. At the pope’s request he preached the Second Crusade in 1146. Its failure grieved him deeply. He also spoke out to protect Jewish communities in the Rhineland from violent preachers.

The Mellifluous Doctor

Bernard’s writings are full of love. In On Loving God he taught that the measure of loving God is to love Him without measure. His sermons on the Song of Songs describe the soul’s union with Christ. He wrote tenderly of Mary, urging Christians in every danger to “look to the star, call upon Mary.”

He died at Clairvaux on August 20, 1153, was canonized in 1174, and was named a Doctor of the Church in 1830.

The Memorare (Traditional Prayer)

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

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Read about St. Benedict, whose Rule Bernard followed, St. Scholastica, or why Catholics pray to Mary.