Saint Bernard of Clairvaux commemorated on feast day

The Catholic Church commemorates the feast day of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux on August 20. Born around 1090 in France, Bernard was a prominent Cistercian monk, abbot, and influential theologian who shaped medieval European spirituality.

Bernard entered the Cîteaux monastery at age 22 and later founded the Abbey of Clairvaux in 1115. He is recognized as a Doctor of the Church, often referred to as ‘doctor mellifluus’ due to the sweetness of his teachings. His spiritual legacy emphasizes humility, prayer, and devotion to the Virgin Mary.

Beyond monastic reform, Bernard was a significant political and religious figure. He helped resolve the papal schism of 1130 by supporting Pope Innocent II, engaged in theological disputes with Peter Abelard, and preached the Second Crusade. He died in 1153 and was canonized in 1174.