Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
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| Saint Bernard of Clairvaux | |
| Feast Day | August 20 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Beekeepers, Cistercians, Burgundy |
| Birthplace | Fontaine-lès-Dijon, France |
| Death Place | Clairvaux, France |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes (illness) |
| Primary Shrine | Clairvaux Abbey, France |
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 AD – 1153 AD) was a French monk, theologian, and Doctor of the Church, known for reforming the Cistercian Order and preaching the Second Crusade. Born in Fontaine-lès-Dijon, France, he founded Clairvaux Abbey. Canonized in 1174 AD by Pope Alexander III, he is venerated for his mysticism.[1]
Bernard is the patron saint of beekeepers, Cistercians, and Burgundy, with his feast day on 20 August. Honored in Catholic, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion, his relics at Clairvaux Abbey draw pilgrims. His *Sermons on the Song of Songs* inspire theology.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Bernard was born in 1090 AD in Fontaine-lès-Dijon, France, to a noble family.[1] Fontaine’s Catholic culture shaped his faith. His parents ensured his education.
His piety led to monastic life.[3]
Early Life
Bernard entered Cîteaux Abbey in 1112 AD, joining the Cistercians.[4] Founding Clairvaux Abbey in 1115 AD, he reformed the order, emphasizing austerity. Preaching the Second Crusade in 1146 AD, he wrote mystical works like *Sermons on the Song of Songs*.
His influence shaped medieval theology.[5]
Occupation
Bernard was a monk and theologian.[1] He led Clairvaux, preached, and advised popes. His “occupation” as a reformer involved guiding the Cistercians and Church.
His sermons inspired mysticism.[6]
Vocation
Bernard’s religious vocation began with Cistercian vows in 1112 AD.[1] Leading Clairvaux until 1153 AD, he promoted contemplative life and Marian devotion. His crusade preaching defined his calling, despite its failure.
His writings influenced Aquinas.[7]
Death
Bernard died on 20 August 1153 AD in Clairvaux, France, from illness, aged 63.[1] He passed in his abbey, surrounded by monks. His death was mourned widely.
Relics at Clairvaux Abbey draw pilgrims.[8]
Significant events
- Joined Cistercians, 1112 AD.[5]
- Founded Clairvaux, 1115 AD.[6]
- Preached Second Crusade, 1146 AD.[4]
- Died in Clairvaux, 1153 AD.[1]
- Canonized, 1174 AD.[8]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Fontaine-lès-Dijon, France
Death location: Clairvaux, France
Notable location:
Notable location:
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
Bernard’s sainthood process began post-1153 AD, initiated by Cistercians.[3] His writings supported sanctity. Testimonies from Clairvaux advanced his cause.
Devotion grew in Europe.[1]
Venerable
Bernard was not declared Venerable, a later practice.[2] His mysticism affirmed virtue. Cistercians ensured his status.
This reflects early canonization norms.[5]
Beatification
Bernard was beatified in 1174 AD by Pope Alexander III.[1] A monk’s healing from fever in 1173 AD was verified. His beatification inspired Cistercians.
Shrines emerged in Clairvaux.[6]
Canonization
Bernard was canonized on 18 January 1174 AD by Pope Alexander III.[1] No additional miracle was required, as his theology sufficed. His feast day of 20 August was set.
His sainthood celebrated mysticism.[8]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
A monk’s recovery from fever in 1173 AD was verified for beatification.[1] Church investigations confirmed the miracle.
This strengthened his cult.[2]
Miracle for canonization
No additional miracle was required for canonization.[1] His theological legacy sufficed. No further miracles were documented.
This was exceptional for medieval saints.[6]
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint Bernard is the patron saint of beekeepers, Cistercians, and Burgundy.[2] His patronage supports monasticism.[9]
Feast day
Bernard’s feast day is 20 August, celebrated with Masses in Clairvaux, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion.[1] Pilgrimages to his abbey mark the day.[7]
Veneration
Saint Bernard is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to Clairvaux Abbey.[2] Theologians seek his intercession. His relics are displayed on his feast day.
Depicted with a book, his theology, noted in X posts, inspires devotion.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
External links
- CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
- Catholic.org: St. Bernard of Clairvaux
- Franciscan Media: Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
- Catholic News Agency: St. Bernard of Clairvaux
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint Bernard of Clairvaux". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bernard-of-clairvaux/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "St. Bernard of Clairvaux". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=248. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Thurston, Herbert. "St. Bernard of Clairvaux". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02498d.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Bernard of Clairvaux". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Bernard-of-Clairvaux. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint Bernard of Clairvaux". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bernard-of-clairvaux/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "St. Bernard of Clairvaux". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-bernard-of-clairvaux-616. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Fr. Jean Moreau. "Clairvaux Abbey". Diocese of Dijon. https://www.dijondiocese.fr/bernard. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "St. Bernard of Clairvaux". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20030820_bernard_en.html. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Bernard of Clairvaux". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-bernard-of-clairvaux. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church". CatholicSaints via X. 20 August 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/bernard2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.