Roman Catholic Church observes memorial of Saint Bernard

The Roman Catholic Church observes the memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church, on August 11. Born in eastern France in 1090, Saint Bernard was a highly influential figure who founded the monastery of Clairvaux and helped expand the Cistercian Order across Europe, including to Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Sweden, England, and Ireland.

In addition to his monastic leadership, Saint Bernard served as secretary to the Synod of Troyes and was a significant theological writer. He was canonized in 1174 and later declared a Doctor of the Church in 1830. The liturgical readings for the day include passages from Ezekiel and the Gospel of Matthew, alongside the commemoration of Saint Clare, Virgin.