SAINT OF THE DAY.... SAINT BERNARD....Feastday:August 20 Died: 1153 St. Bernard, Abbotand Doctorof the Church St. Bernardwas born of noble parentage in Burgundy, France, in the castle of Fontaines near Dijon.Under the care of his piousparents he was sent ... parentshe was sent at an early age to a collegeat Chatillon, where he was conspicuous for his remarkable piety and spiritof recollection. At the same place he entered upon the studies of theology and Holy Scripture.After the death of his mother, fearing the snares and temptations of the world, he resolved to embrace the newly established and very austere institute of the Cistercian Order, of which he was destined to become the greatest ornament. He also persuaded his brothers and several of his friends to follow his example. In 1113, St.Bernard, with thirty young noblemen, presented himself to the holy Abbot, St. Stephen,at Citeaux. After a novitiate spent in great fervor, he made his profession in the following year. His superiorsoon after, seeing the great progress he had made in the spiritual life, sent him with twelve monks to found a new monastery, which afterward became known as the celebrated Abbeyof Clairvaux. St. Bernardwas at once appointed Abbotand began that active lifewhich has rendered him the most conspicuous figure in the history of the 12th century. Hefounded numerous other monasteries, composed a number of works and undertook many journeys for the honor of God. Several Bishoprics were offered him, but he refused them all. The reputation of St. Bernardspread far and wide; even thePopes were governed ... Popeswere governed by his advice. He was commissioned by Pope Eugene IIIto preach the second Crusade. In obedienceto the Sovereign Pontiff he traveled through Franceand Germany, and aroused the greatest enthusiasm for the holy waramong the masses of the population. The failure of the expedition raised a great storm against the saint, but he attributed it to the sins of the Crusaders. St. Bernardwas eminently endowed with the gift of miracles. He died onAugust 20, 1153. His feast dayis August 20
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 05:17:18 +0000
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