The story of their life
A charismatic Cistercian abbot and spiritual writer with major influence in monastic reform and European politics. Twelfth-century Europe saw monastic reform, papal conflict and crusading movements.
Saint11th–12th century · Feast August 20
St Bernard of Clairvaux
Also known as Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor Mellifluus, Saint Bernard
Abbot
Doctor of the Church
Cistercian reformer
A charismatic Cistercian abbot and spiritual writer with major influence in monastic reform and European politics.
A note on content. This profile is a prototype draft. Devotional traditions, historical facts and uncertain traditions will be clearly identified once entries are reviewed. We do not publish invented quotations.
Historical context
Twelfth-century Europe saw monastic reform, papal conflict and crusading movements.
Defining moments
- Entering Cîteaux
- Founding Clairvaux
- Writing on divine love
- Advising leaders
- Preaching the Second Crusade
Faith and spirituality
The school of love, Marian devotion and the danger of spiritual influence becoming political overreach.
Why this saint matters today
Strong match for monastic leaders, reformers and Marian spirituality.
Patronage and intercession
People turn to St Bernard of Clairvaux in matters of:
Cistercians
Beekeepers
People devoted to Mary
A prayer
God of grace, through the intercession of St Bernard of Clairvaux, guide us in faith, courage and love. Amen.
Timeline
Sources and further reading
- https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints.html
- https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/
Source-quality status: unverified prototype