St. Bernard of Clairvaux |
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 "In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps... |
St. Bernard was born in 1091 and left home at the age of 20 to join the monastic community of Citeaux with more than 30 of his friends and relatives. Within four years of Bernard's arrival, the dying community of Citeaux was recovering. Bernard was sent with some companions to begin a community that later became the monastery at Clairvaux. Bernard was chosen as abbot of the community and led his brother monks by his own rigorous example. In addition to his rigorous spiritual life, Bernard was also a scholar. He is well known for his theological and spiritual writings and his defense of the Catholic faith in the face of heresy and schism. It is for these scholarly works that Bernard was named a doctor of the Church. Bernard continually called to an active life outside his community at Clarivaux. He was called on to correct heresy, to mend schism and was instrumental in gaining support for the second crusade. During his lifetime, Bernard formed over 163 Cistercian monasteries around Europe. Bernard died in 1153 and was canonized by Alexander III becoming the first Cistercian monk placed on the calendar of saints. Pope Pius VIII bestowed on him the title of Doctor of the Church. |
 ... With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal." -St. Bernard
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