Today the Church celebrates Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot and Doctor of the Church, one of the most influential figures in the Church of the 12th century.

Born in Burgundy in 1090, Bernard entered the monastery of Cîteaux as a young man, accompanied by a remarkable number of relatives and friends whom he had inspired to embrace the monastic life.

Only a few years later, Bernard was sent to establish a new monastery at Clairvaux, the “Valley of Light”, where he became abbot. Under his leadership, Clairvaux flourished and became a centre of the Cistercian renewal, which sought a simpler and more faithful observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict.

Although Bernard longed for the quiet life of prayer and contemplation, his wisdom and influence increasingly drew him into the affairs of the wider Church. He advised popes and bishops, helped resolve disputes and played an important role in ending a serious schism within the Church.

Bernard was also a gifted theologian, Scripture scholar and preacher. At the heart of his spirituality was a profound love for Jesus Christ and a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His sermons and writings on prayer, humility, love and the spiritual life continue to influence Christians today.

At the request of Pope Eugene III, a former monk of Clairvaux, Bernard preached in support of the Second Crusade. Its eventual failure caused him considerable sorrow and remains a complex and difficult part of his legacy.

Despite his enormous influence across Europe, Bernard remained at heart a monk who desired a life centred upon God.

He died at Clairvaux on 20 August 1153. He was canonised in 1174 and, in 1830, Pope Pius VIII declared him a Doctor of the Church.

Saint Bernard reminds us that a life of contemplation and prayer is not a withdrawal from the needs of the Church and the world, but can become the source of faithful service to both.

🙏 Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, pray for us.