Saint Bernard of Montjoux
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| Saint Bernard of Montjoux | |
| Feast Day | May 28 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Alpinists, mountain climbers, skiers, backpackers, hikers |
| Birthplace | Italy (possibly Menthon, Savoy) |
| Death Place | Novara, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Monastery of St. Lawrence, Novara, Italy |
Saint Bernard of Montjoux (c. 923 – 1008), also known as Bernard of Menthon or Aosta, was a saint and Italian priest renowned for his missionary work in the Alps. Born in Italy, possibly Menthon, Savoy, he served as Archdeacon of Aosta, dedicating over 40 years to evangelizing Alpine villages, building churches, and founding schools. He is best known for establishing two hospices at the Great and Little St. Bernard Passes to aid pilgrims and travelers, which inspired the St. Bernard dog breed used for mountain rescues. Canonized by Pope Innocent XI in 1681, he was declared patron saint of the Alps by Pope Pius XI in 1923. His feast day is celebrated on May 28.[1][2]
Bernard’s hospices, staffed by Augustinian canons, provided shelter from avalanches and bandits, serving pilgrims en route to Rome for nearly a millennium. His legacy includes the iconic St. Bernard dogs, named for the Great St. Bernard Hospice, and his image on Tyrolean Alpine Guard flags. As patron of alpinists, skiers, and hikers, his work continues to inspire outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual refuge in the mountains.[3][4]
Biography
Birth
Saint Bernard of Montjoux was born around 923, likely in Italy, possibly in Menthon, Savoy, though some sources suggest northern Italy or southeastern France. Details of his early life are scarce, but he is said to have come from a noble family and received a thorough education, possibly in Paris.[1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_of_Menthon[2][5]
Early Life
Raised in a wealthy family, Bernard rejected an arranged marriage to pursue a religious vocation. A popular legend, now disputed, claims he escaped his father’s castle the night before his wedding, leaping from a window and being gently lowered by angels. He placed himself under Peter, Archdeacon of Aosta, progressing rapidly in faith and learning, and was ordained a priest.[3][6][7]
Occupation
As a priest and later Archdeacon of Aosta (c. 966), Bernard oversaw the diocese’s governance under the bishop. For over 40 years, he traveled Alpine villages, preaching against pagan practices, celebrating sacraments, and building churches and schools. His most enduring work was founding hospices at the Great St. Bernard Pass (8,000 feet) in 962 and the Little St. Bernard Pass (7,076 feet), providing refuge for pilgrims crossing the perilous Alps to Rome.[1][8][](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02503b.htm)[](https://catholicstewardship.com/stewardship-saint-for-may-saint-bernard-of-montjoux/)
Vocation
Bernard’s vocation was missionary, driven by a desire to convert Alpine pagans and protect travelers. His hospices, staffed by Augustinian canons after papal approval from a visit to Rome, offered food, shelter, and safety, clearing passes of bandits. The Great St. Bernard Hospice, named after him, became a model of hospitality, with monks training St. Bernard dogs for rescues by the 18th century. His preaching reportedly led to numerous conversions and miracles, though specifics are unrecorded.[4][9][](https://www.tinysaints.com/products/saint-bernard-of-montjoux)[](https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/saints/saints-stories-for-all-ages/bernard-of-montjoux/)
Death
Saint Bernard died in 1008 in Novara, Italy, of natural causes, aged about 85. His last act was reconciling two feuding noblemen, averting violence. Buried in the cloister of St. Lawrence monastery in Novara, his tomb became a site of veneration. The hospices and canine legacy continue his mission of care.[1][10][](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02503b.htm)[](https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/15/saint-of-the-day-15-june-st-bernard-of-menthon-c-r-s-a-c-1020-1081-apostle-of-the-alps/)
Significant events
- Ordained a priest and began missionary work in Aosta, c. 950.
- Appointed Archdeacon of Aosta, c. 966.
- Founded the Great St. Bernard Hospice, 962.
- Established the Little St. Bernard Hospice, c. 970.
- Reconciled feuding noblemen in his final act, 1008.
- Died in Novara, 1008, buried at St. Lawrence monastery.[1][2]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Italy (possibly Menthon, Savoy)
Death location: Novara, Italy
Notable location:
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Saint Bernard as a Servant of God is undocumented, as his veneration predates modern canonization. His hospices and conversions spurred devotion in Aosta, Novara, and Brescia by the 12th century.[1][](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02503b.htm)
Venerable
No formal Venerable declaration is recorded, as his sainthood emerged through pre-Congregation practices. His cult grew, supported by local traditions and the enduring work of his hospices.[10][](https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/15/saint-of-the-day-15-june-st-bernard-of-menthon-c-r-s-a-c-1020-1081-apostle-of-the-alps/)
Beatification
No distinct beatification process is recorded, as Bernard’s sainthood relied on popular devotion. Pilgrims visited his tomb, and churches were dedicated to him in Piedmont by the 12th century.[2][](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_of_Menthon)
Canonization
Saint Bernard was canonized in 1681 by Pope Innocent XI in Rome, recognizing his missionary work and hospices. His feast day is May 28, though some regions use June 15. Pope Pius XI, a mountaineer, confirmed him as patron of the Alps in 1923.[3][11][](https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=452)[](https://catholicinsight.com/2024/05/28/saint-bernard-of-montjoux-or-menthon/)
Miracles
No specific miracles are documented for Bernard’s canonization, as his sainthood was based on his missionary and charitable works. His conversions and the survival of pilgrims through his hospices were considered providential.[8][](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02503b.htm)
Miracle for beatification
No miracle is recorded, as Bernard’s recognition predates the modern beatification process.
Miracle for canonization
No miracle is recorded, as his sainthood was established through popular devotion and his hospices’ legacy.[1][](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02503b.htm)
Other notable miracles
- Legend claims angels lowered him safely from a castle window, though disputed.[6][](https://connection.newmanministry.com/saint/saint-bernard-of-montjoux/)
- Numerous conversions in the Alps were attributed to his preaching.[10][](https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/15/saint-of-the-day-15-june-st-bernard-of-menthon-c-r-s-a-c-1020-1081-apostle-of-the-alps/)
Patronage
Saint Bernard is the patron saint of alpinists, mountain climbers, skiers, backpackers, hikers, and the Alps, reflecting his hospices’ role in mountain safety.[11][](https://catholicinsight.com/2024/05/28/saint-bernard-of-montjoux-or-menthon/)
Feast day
His feast day is celebrated on May 28 in the Roman Catholic Church, though some regions use June 15.[2][](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_of_Menthon)
Veneration
Saint Bernard is venerated through prayers and pilgrimages to the Great St. Bernard Hospice, where canons still offer hospitality. His image, often with a St. Bernard dog or pilgrim staff, appears in Alpine churches and on Tyrolean Alpine Guard flags. Devotees seek his intercession for safe mountain travel. His feast day Masses celebrate his hospitality, with the St. Bernard dog breed symbolizing his legacy. Recent posts on X highlight his care for pilgrims, with the hospice’s dogs kept as pets today.[4][12][](https://ucatholic.com/saints/bernard-of-montjoux/)[](https://www.tinysaints.com/products/saint-bernard-of-montjoux)
Books
Written about the saint
- Vie de S. Bernard de Menthon by Dorsaz[1][](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02503b.htm)
- Vie de St. Bernard, Apotre des Alpes by Aldeguier[1][](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02503b.htm)
- Lives of the Saints, Vol. VI by Alban Butler[8]
Written by the saint
- None recorded.[1][](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02503b.htm)
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 "St. Bernard of Menthon". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02503b.htm.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Bernard of Menthon". Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_of_Menthon.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "St. Bernard of Montjoux". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=443.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Saint Bernard of Montjoux". Tiny Saints. https://www.tinysaints.com/products/saint-bernard-of-montjoux.
- ↑ https://www.stignatiusmobile.org/saint-of-the-month-st-bernard-of-montjoux/
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Saint Bernard of Montjoux". Newman Ministry. 2024-05-27. https://connection.newmanministry.com/faith/saint-of-the-day/saint-bernard-of-montjoux.
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_of_Menthon
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Butler, Alban (1866). Lives of the Saints. VI. London: Burns, Oates, and Washbourne. https://archive.org/details/livesofsaints06butl.
- ↑ "Bernard of Montjoux". Loyola Press. 2021-05-27. https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/saints/saints-stories-for-all-ages/bernard-of-montjoux/.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Saint of the Day – 15 June – St Bernard of Menthon". Anastpaul. 2018-06-14. https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/14/saint-of-the-day-15-june-st-bernard-of-menthon-c-r-s-a-c-1020-1081-apostle-of-the-alps/.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Saint Bernard of Montjoux, or Menthon". Catholic Insight. 2024-05-28. https://catholicinsight.com/saint-bernard-of-montjoux-or-menthon/.
- ↑ "San Bernardo de Montjoux". @aciprensa. https://t.co/RiCu4GiNyN.