August 20
Saints of the Day
 

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153
 The Cistercian "Mellifluous Doctor of the Church",  Last of the Fathers of the Holy Church, the “man of the twelfth century", deep devotion to the Blessed Mother.

    Man of the century! Woman of the century!... But the “man of the twelfth century,” without doubt or controversy, has to be Bernard of Clairvaux. Adviser of popes, preacher of the Second Crusade, defender of the faith, healer of a schism, reformer of a monastic Order, Scripture scholar, theologian and eloquent preacher: any one of these titles would distinguish an ordinary man. Yet Bernard was all of these—and he still retained a burning desire to return to the hidden monastic life of his younger days.

    French nobility, Benedictine, revised and reformed the Cistercians.
    At age 22, fearing the ways of the world, he, four of his brothers, and 25 friends joined the abbey of Citeaux; his father and another brother joined soon after. 
    Founded and led the monastery at Clairvaux which soon had over 700 monks and 160 daughter houses.
    Advisor to, and admonisher of, King Louis the Fat and King Louis the Young.
    Attended Second Lateran Council.
    Fought Albigensianism.
    Helped end the schism of anti-Pope Anacletus II.
    Preached in France, Italy, Germany.
    Helped organize the Second Crusade.
    Friend and biographer of Saint Malachy O'More.
    Spritual advisor to Pope Eugenius III, who had originally been one of his monks.
    First Cistercian monk placed on the calendar of saints.
    Proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius VIII, Doctor Mellifluus, by Pope Pius XII,

    Bernard and Virgin Mary:
    Bernard’s life in the Church was more active than we can imagine possible today. His efforts produced far-reaching results. But he knew that they would have availed little without the many hours of prayer and contemplation that brought him strength and heavenly direction. His life was characterized by a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. His sermons and books about Mary are still the standard of Marian theology.
    “In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may more surely obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal” (St. Bernard).
    The Memorare is a prayer known by heart by many Catholics
    Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
    that never was it known
    that any one who fled to thy protection,
    implored thy help or sought thy intercession,
    was left unaided.

    Inspired with this confidence,
    I fly unto thee,
    O Virgin of virgins my Mother;
    to thee do I come,
    before thee I stand,
    sinful and sorrowful;
    O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
    despise not my petitions,
    but in thy clemency hear and answer me.
    Amen.
Born 1090 at Fontaines-les-Dijon, Burgundy, France
Died 20 August 1153 at Clairvaux
Canonized 1170 by Pope Alexander III
Images Gallery of images of Saint Bernard
Writings
On Loving God
The Holy Guardian Angels
On Loving God
In Praise of the New Knighthood
Rhythmical Prayer To The Sacred Members Of Jesus Hanging On The Cross
On the Conduct and Duties of Bishops
On the Conversion of Clerics
On the Love of God
On the Steps of Humility and Pride
Sermons on the Song of Songs
10 spiritual treatises, 300+ sermons, 500+ letters extant
Additional Information
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintb08.htm
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1113
http://www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/08-20.htm
Doctor Mellifluus, by Pope Pius XII
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Readings
Love is sufficient of itself; it gives pleasure by itself and because of itself. It is its own merit, its own reward. Love looks for no cause outside itself, no effect beyond itself. Its profit lies in the practice. Of all the movements, sensations and feelings of the soul, love is the only one in which the creature can respond to the Creator and make some sort of similar return however unequal though it be. For when God loves, all he desires is to be loved in return. The sole purpose of his love is to be loved, int he knowledge that those who love him are made happy by their love of him.

- from a sermon by Saint Bernard
Look at that clever calumniator! He begins by fetching a deep sigh, he affects to be humble, and puts on a modest look, and with a voice choking with sobs tries to gloss over the slander which is on the tip of his tongue One would fancy that he expressly assumed a calm and easy demeanor; for when he speaks against his brother, it is in a tender and compassionate tone. I am really hurt, says he, to find that our brother has fallen into such a sin; you all know how much I love him, and how often I have tried to correct him. It is not today that I have noticed his failing; for I should always be on my guard to speak of others, but others have spoken of it too. It would be in vain to disguise the fact; it is only too true, and with tears in my eyes I tell it to you. This poor unfortunate brother has talent, but it must be confessed that he is very guilty, and however great may be our friendship for him, it is impossible to excuse him.

- Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 24th sermon on the Canticles

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