Doctor Mellifluus — Abbot and Doctor of the Church
๐️ Born: c. 1090
๐ Birthplace: Fontaine-lรจs-Dijon, Burgundy, Kingdom of France
⚰️ Died: 20 August 1153 (aged 62–63)
๐ Place of Death: Clairvaux Abbey, Clairvaux, Champagne, Kingdom of France
๐ Titles: Doctor of the Church, Doctor Mellifluus, Last of the Fathers, Confessor, Abbot
๐ Venerated in: Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Lutheranism
๐ Canonized: 18 January 1174, Rome, Papal States, by Pope Alexander III
๐ Major Shrine: Troyes Cathedral
๐ Feast Day: 20 August
✨ Attributes: Cistercian habit, book, crosier
๐ก️ Patronage: Cistercians, Burgundy, Beekeepers, Candlemakers, Gibraltar, Algeciras, Queens' College (Cambridge), Speyer Cathedral, Knights Templar, Binangonan (Rizal)
“From his lips flowed honeyed wisdom, guiding souls to the sweetness of Christ.”
Born in 1090 at the castle of Fontaine-lรจs-Dijon in Burgundy, France, Bernard of Clairvaux was the third of seven children of Tescelin de Fontaine, a noble knight, and Aleth of Montbard, a devout woman from a prominent family. His parents’ piety and high social standing provided Bernard with a privileged upbringing, steeped in Christian faith and chivalric ideals. Educated at the canon school of Saint-Vorles in Chรขtillon-sur-Seine, Bernard excelled in literature, poetry, and rhetoric, displaying a keen intellect and a poetic sensibility that would later mark his writings and sermons. His mother’s deep spirituality profoundly influenced him, fostering an early devotion to God and a contemplative disposition.
At a young age, Bernard experienced a mystical vision of the Virgin Mary, which strengthened his resolve to pursue a religious life. Despite his noble background and prospects for a secular career, he felt a powerful calling to renounce worldly ambitions. By 1112, at the age of 22, Bernard decided to join the Cistercian Order, a reformed Benedictine movement emphasizing simplicity, manual labor, and prayer.
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| Saint Bernard preaching the 2nd crusade in Vรฉzelay in 1146 |
In 1115, at age 25, Bernard established the Abbey of Clairvaux in a secluded valley in Champagne, France. As its abbot, he transformed Clairvaux into a thriving spiritual and economic center, known for its strict adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict and its emphasis on contemplative prayer. Bernard’s leadership attracted hundreds of monks, and Clairvaux became the motherhouse of numerous daughter monasteries, spreading Cistercian reform across Europe. His influence extended to founding 68 monasteries during his lifetime, earning him the title “second founder of the Cistercian Order.”
Bernard’s eloquence and spiritual insight earned him the title Doctor Mellifluus (“Honey-Sweet Doctor”) from Pope Pius VIII in 1830, reflecting the sweetness and depth of his teachings. His sermons and writings, blending mystical theology with practical spirituality, profoundly shaped medieval Christianity. Notable works include:
Sermons on the Song of Songs: A series of 86 sermons exploring the mystical union between the soul and Christ, emphasizing divine love and spiritual intimacy.
On Loving God: A treatise outlining the stages of love for God, from self-interest to pure, selfless devotion.
In Praise of the Virgin Mary: Homilies celebrating Mary’s role as Mother of God and intercessor, reflecting his deep Marian devotion.
On Consideration: Written for Pope Eugene III, a former monk of Clairvaux, this work advises the pope on balancing spiritual and administrative duties.
Bernard’s theology centered on the humanity of Christ and the transformative power of love, influencing both monastic and lay spirituality. His ability to communicate complex ideas in accessible, poetic language made him a sought-after preacher, drawing crowds across Europe.
Bernard’s influence extended beyond the cloister, making him one of the most prominent figures of the 12th century. He played a pivotal role in ecclesiastical and political affairs:
Second Crusade (1146–1149): At the request of Pope Eugene III, Bernard preached the Second Crusade at Vรฉzelay in 1146, rallying thousands, including King Louis VII of France and Emperor Conrad III, to defend the Holy Land. His fiery sermons, delivered with charismatic zeal, mobilized Europe, though the crusade’s failure led to personal disappointment for Bernard, who lamented its outcome as a test of faith.
Schism of 1130: During the papal schism between Innocent II and Anacletus II, Bernard championed Innocent II, traveling across Europe to secure support from kings and bishops. His efforts ensured Innocent’s recognition, solidifying the Church’s unity.
Condemnation of Heresies: Bernard vigorously opposed theological errors, notably confronting Peter Abelard at the Council of Sens (1140) for his rationalist approach to faith. He also condemned the teachings of Henry of Lausanne and other heretics, defending orthodox doctrine with intellectual rigor.
Church Reform: Bernard advocated for clerical reform, criticizing corruption and worldliness among the clergy. His influence led to improvements in monastic discipline and priestly formation, particularly through the Cistercian model.
Despite his involvement in public affairs, Bernard remained a monk at heart, often expressing a desire to return to the solitude of Clairvaux. His ability to balance contemplation with action made him a unique figure, revered as both a mystic and a statesman.
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| Bernard exorcising a possession c. 1500 |
His spiritual influence extended to his relationships with other saints, such as St. Malachy of Armagh, whom he befriended and whose biography he wrote. Bernard’s Marian devotion also inspired later mystics, and his writings influenced figures like St. Francis of Assisi and St. Teresa of รvila. His emphasis on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, though less formalized than later devotions, laid groundwork for its development.
Exhausted by his relentless work, Bernard’s health declined in his later years. He died on August 20, 1153, at Clairvaux Abbey, surrounded by his monks. His death was mourned across Europe, and miracles continued at his tomb, prompting calls for his canonization. On January 18, 1174, Pope Alexander III canonized him, declaring him a saint. In 1830, Pope Pius VIII named him a Doctor of the Church, recognizing his profound contributions to theology and spirituality.
Bernard’s relics remain at Clairvaux, though parts were dispersed during the French Revolution. His feast day is celebrated on August 20 in the Catholic Church, and he is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Anglican Communion. He is the patron saint of Cistercians, beekeepers (due to his “honey-sweet” teachings), candlemakers, and Gibraltar.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s legacy is immense, shaping medieval Christianity and beyond. The Cistercian Order flourished under his influence, with hundreds of monasteries spreading his vision of simplicity and prayer. His writings remain spiritual classics, studied by theologians and contemplatives alike. The hymn Jesu Dulcis Memoria, often attributed to him, reflects his lyrical devotion to Christ.
In art, Bernard is depicted as a Cistercian monk, often with a beehive (symbolizing his eloquence), a book, or a vision of the Virgin Mary. Churches dedicated to him, such as the Bernardine Cistercian monasteries, dot Europe, and his name graces institutions like St. Bernard’s Abbey in Alabama. His role in the Second Crusade, though controversial due to its failure, underscores his willingness to serve the Church’s mission, even at personal cost.
Bernard’s life also resonates in his call to reform and holiness. His critique of clerical worldliness and his emphasis on love as the path to God continue to inspire priests, religious, and laity. His friendship with St. Malachy and his mentorship of Pope Eugene III highlight his role as a spiritual guide to leaders.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s life challenges us to pursue a deep, personal relationship with Christ, rooted in love and humility. His balance of contemplation and action, his fearless defense of truth, and his compassion for souls invite us to live authentically as disciples. His words, “The measure of love is to love without measure,” encapsulate his spirituality, urging us to give ourselves fully to God and neighbor. Let us pray to St. Bernard for the grace to love generously, to reform our lives in holiness, and to aspire to eternal union with Christ, the source of all love.
No voice can sing, no heart can frame, Nor can the memory find, A sweeter sound than Jesus' name, The Savior of mankind.
O hope of every contrite heart! 0 joy of all the meek! To those who fall, how kind Thou art! How good to those who seek!
But what to those who find? Ah! this Nor tongue nor pen can show The love of Jesus, what it is, None but His loved ones know.
Jesus! our only hope be Thou, As Thou our prize shalt be; In Thee be all our glory now, And through eternity. Amen.
to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary known as The Memorare
Remember
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that
anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy
intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to
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 mercy hear and answer me. Amen...... |
Memorare
MEMORARE, O piissima Virgo Maria, non esse auditum a saeculo, quemquam
ad tua currentem p raesidia, tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem
suffragia, esse derelictum. Ego tali animatus confidentia, ad te, Virgo
Virginum, Mater, curro, ad te venio, coram te gemens peccator assisto.
Noli, Mater Verbi, verba mea despicere; sed audi propitia et exaudi. Amen..... |
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