St. Bernard of Clairvaux
French Cistercian abbot (1090-1153), founder of Clairvaux and reformer of monastic life; a Doctor of the Church called "Mellifluous Doctor," he preached the Second Crusade and shaped the spirituality of medieval Europe through his writings on the love of God. Feast August 20.
Life & Times
Born: 1090 · Died: 1153 · From: France.
Patronage
St. Bernard of Clairvaux is invoked as the patron of cistercians, beekeepers, candlemakers, gibraltar, burgundy. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“The reason for loving God is God himself; and the measure of love we owe him is love without measure.”— On Loving God (De Diligendo Deo), Chapter 1 (c. 1126)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Bernard of Clairvaux, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.