Saint Bernard

The Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Bernard, a monk and abbot. Saint Bernard joined the Cistercians in 1111 and later was chosen abbot of the monastery of Clairvaux. At the monastery, he directed his companions in the practice of virtue by his own good example. Because of schisms which had arisen in the Church, he traveled all about Europe restoring peace and unity. He died in 1153 (Magnificat, 276). As another commentary states, "Saint Bernard fostered the renewal of monastic life through the Cistercian observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict, which uses Psalm 15 to describe the holiness required of one who seeks to dwell in God's presence" (Magnificat, 274). Along with that commentary, there is a scripture passage from Matthew's Gospel, "Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect" (5:48). There is a Universal Call to Holiness for all of us. We strive to be holy and perfect as our heavenly Father is holy and perfect. Let us look to Saint Bernard who is a tremendous example for us because he had a zeal for holiness and renewal. May he intercede for us as we continually renew our faith and strive to live our call to holiness. Saint Bernard, Pray for Us!!!!