Saint Bernard

On this Friday, August 20, the Universal Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Bernard. He was born in 1090 in France. In 1111, he joined the Cistercian Order and was later the abbot of the monastery of Clairvaux. He was one who led by example and in that directed his companions. Bernard traveled around Europe restoring peace and unity because schisms had arisen in the church. He died in the year 1153 (Magnificat, 287). Another commentator wrote, "Saint Bernard fostered the renewal of monastic life through the Cistercian observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict, which uses the Psalms to describe the holiness required of one who seeks to dwell in God's presence" (Magnificat, 285). I am reminded of the gate at the Cistercian (Trappist) monastery in Gethsemane, Kentucky where etched in stone it says very simply, "God Alone." That is important for all of us because God is the center of our lives at all times. We look forward to the day when God will welcome us into his Kingdom and that is our hope and faith. So we look to Saint Bernard's example of holiness and pray that he will intercede for us that we may live holy, faithful, and dedicated lives, to God Alone! Have a blessed day!!!