Abbot and Doctor of the Church
Today, August 20, the Catholic Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, one of the great spiritual teachers of the Church. He was a Cistercian monk, abbot, preacher, and Doctor of the Church. The Church also recognizes him as the patron saint of beekeepers.
Saint Bernard was born in 1090 in Fontaine, France. At the age of 22, he entered the monastery at Cîteaux, joining the Cistercian movement. He later founded the monastery of Clairvaux, where he became abbot. His holiness and preaching attracted many people to religious life, including members of his own family.
A Heart Centered on Jesus and Mary
Saint Bernard’s spirituality was deeply centered on Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He taught that the Christian life requires prayer, humility, work, contemplation, and above all, love of God.
For Saint Bernard, growing closer to God meant learning to love Him more deeply—not merely seeking God for what He could give us, but eventually loving God simply because He is God.
His devotion to Mary also became especially influential in Catholic spirituality. He encouraged Christians to turn to Mary with confidence and to follow her example as she leads us closer to her Son.
A Powerful Witness of Faith
Saint Bernard lived during a difficult period in the Church and traveled throughout Europe preaching, defending the faith, and supporting the Church and the Pope. His writings and sermons made a lasting contribution to Catholic theology and spirituality.
He died on August 20, 1153, and was canonized in 1174 by Pope Alexander III. Pope Pius XII later honored him with the title “Doctor Mellifluus,” referring to the sweetness of his teaching.
Prayer to Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux,
you who loved Jesus Christ with all your heart,
teach us to seek God above all earthly things.
Help us to grow in humility,
to persevere in prayer,
and to love the Lord not only for His blessings
but for who He is.
When our faith becomes weak, strengthen us.
When we are distracted by the world,
turn our hearts back toward Christ.
Saint Bernard,
pray for us and bring our intentions before the throne of God.
Amen.
Saint Bernard, pray for us!
Reflection for today:
Am I seeking God only for what He can give me, or am I learning to love Him simply because He is God?
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