However, in a more decisive manner than ever, the Abbot of Clairvaux embodies the theologian, the contemplative and the mystic. O who can be Unmoved to witness this great mystery, The Healer smitten, hanging on a tree? He made the most of this time to review definitively the whole collection of his Letters, Sermons and Treatises. See with what large desire it thirsts for Thee! St Bernard of Clairvaux. you would think him lunatic. Cisterc. Hail, sweetest Heart, my heart saluteth Thee! The saint celebrated on August 20 is one of the Church's most devoted sons of Mary. He became its first abbot of this celebrated monastery, but this was only the Neither fear nor self-interest can convert the soul. which only inflate it without feeding it., Ignorance is brutal, arrogance is devilish. St. Bernard was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and advised the following: In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Not forced, but, O my God! At the General Audience on Wednesday, 21 October [2009] in St Peter's Square, the Holy Father commented on St Bernard of Clairvaux, one of the most important theologians of the Middle Ages. The Bible speaks about heaven. Popular in the Late Middle Ages, the origins of the devotion and details of wthe are unknown. The measure of love is love without measure. ), Pope Francis in Budapest, Hungary, on Sept. 12, 2021. . This excerpt on meditation on the mysteries of the rosary comes from a homily by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (Sermo de Aquaeductu: Opera Omnia, Edit. Join in praying the St. Bernard of Clairvaux Novena. 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Steer me to a happy and holy death with life everlasting in your . It is not for nothing that a century and a half after Bernard's death, Dante Alighieri, in the last canticle of the Divine Comedy,was to put on the lips of the Doctor Mellifluus the sublime prayer to Mary: "Virgin Mother, daughter of your own Son, / humble and exalted more than any creature, / fixed term of the eternal counsel" (Paradise XXXIII, VV. Born to Burgundy nobility in 1090, Bernard was the third of the aristocratic couple's seven children. France; died at Clairvaux, 21 August, 1153. and may your glorious fecundity confer on us a fecundity of merits. Alphonsus I, King of Portugal, in the year 1142, bound himself and his Lord, with my mouth I touch and worship Thee, With all the strength I have I cling to Thee, With all my love I plunge my heart in Thee, My very life-blood would I drawn from Thee, O Jesus, Jesus! St . It appears in the Roman Catholic Office of Readings for the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7. She never leaves your lips, she never departs from your heart; and so that you may obtain the help of her prayers, never forget the example of her life. Bridget of Sweden, OSsS (c. 1303 - 23 July 1373) born as Birgitta Birgersdotter, also Birgitta of Vadstena, or Saint Birgitta (Swedish: heliga Birgitta), was a mystic and a saint, and she was also the founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks after the death of her husband of twenty years. St Bernard quickly emerged as a leader and the abbot sent him with twelve other monks to start a new monastery in Champagne, which they called Clairvaux. Help us to imitate the love of You he showed throughout his years of faithful service as an abbot. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Hail, sacred Side of Jesus! Select it and click on the button to choose it.Then click on the link if you want to upload up to 3 more images. Some claim to have solved the fundamental questions on God, on man and on the world with the power of reason alone. Here is one beautiful prayer from one of Bernards homilies: Read here for why he is also considered the last of the Church fathers: Read more:Was this saint the last of the Church Fathers? It's FREE! PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (Monday Devotion to the Holy Spirit) Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart with Your holy gifts. St. Bernard you have given us this prayer See PRIVACY POLICY. Amen. Deigned to partake of our infirmity and misery. may we be received by the One "Neither fear nor self-interest can convert the soul. O Jesus, ever with us stay, Make all our moments calm and bright; Chase the dark night of sin away, Shed oer the world Thy holy light. Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. as long as everything goes their own way; The following is a translation of the Pope's Catechesis, which was given in Italian. St. Bernard of Clairvaux, (born 1090, probably Fontaine-les-Dijon, near Dijon, Burgundy [France]died August 20, 1153, Clairvaux, Champagne; canonized January 18, 1174; feast day August 20), Cistercian monk and mystic, founder and abbot of the abbey of Clairvaux and one of the most influential churchmen of his time. The Eight Verses of St. Bernard are excerpts from psalms which, when recited, were said to have saved souls and guaranteed a holy death. .css-tadcwa:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Philip Kosloski - @media screen and (max-width: 767px){.css-1xovt06 .date-separator{display:none;}.css-1xovt06 .date-updated{display:block;width:100%;}}published on 12/23/17. High and Holy God, give me this day a word of truth to silence the lies that would devour my soul and kind encourgements to strengthen me when I fall. Dear Lady, He excelled at school and developed a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary; a devotion that, in later life, he preached to others. St. Bernard of Clairvaux is a unique fusion of contemplative meets active. whoever serves you pleases God; Sweet Precious Blood, it wells abundantly From both Thy sacred Hands to set me free. devotion to the Mother of God is universally known. Bernard, the third of a family of seven children, six of whom were sons, was educated with particular care, because . O mother of the word incarnate, despise not my petitions; but in your clemency hear and answer me. And may the fire divine consuming Thee Burn in my heart where it lies hid in Thee, Without a fear reposing peacefully! St Bernard defended the rights of the Church against the encroachments of Kings and Princes. for the more she is honored, Just type!Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. O Jesus, King of Saints, I worship Thee; O hope of sinners, hail! the reservoirs are far too rare O can it be The Life of life, that lives there gloriously, Should feel thy bite, O death, and yield to thee? His parents were Tescelin, lord of Fontaines, and Aleth of Montbard, both belonging to the highest nobility of Burgundy. A Prayer To Our Lady of Mount Carmel; A PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH FOR EMPLOYMENT; A Prayer to Say On the Day of a Person's Death or Burial; A PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN Much recommended by the holy Priest J.M. to be subject to parents, The sick were brought to Clairvaux from all over and were healed by his touch and prayers. O dearest Jesus, I commend to Thee Myself, and all I am, most perfectly; Bathed in Thy Blood, behold, I live for Thee; O, may Thy blessed Hands encompass me, And in extremity deliver me! It is no labor, Lord; love sets me free; Then heal me, cleanse me, let me rest on Thee, For love is life, and life is lovein Thee. Through the mercy which He hast granted Thee. Click the link below! "The search for this God who is not yet sufficiently sought must be continued", the holy Abbot wrote, "yet it may be easier to search for him and find him in prayer rather than in discussion. Amen. Prayer for Those in Prison Using Scripture, How to Meditate from St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Christmas Prayer by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Travailing in Prayer for Yourself and Others, How to Meditate from St. Bernard of Clairvaux . our Mediatrix and Advocate, The fullness of the immense Divinity Hath found at last a creature home in Thee. the reservoir retains the water till it is filled, and a light shining and burning in Your Church, Unfailing Novena Prayer to St. Anthony of Padua. Our Lady of Guadalupe Novena Miracle Novena to the Holy Spirit. He founded several women's monasteries and was the protagonist of a lively correspondence with Peter the Venerable, Abbot of Cluny, of whom I spoke last Wednesday. Sign up for our Premium service. to endure the weakness of the flesh, On the other hand, he felt it was his duty to defend the Jews, and condemned the ever more widespread outbursts of anti-Semitism. With great desire, O Heart, I seek for Thee, And faint for joy, O Heart, embracing Thee; Then give me leave, O Love, to speak to Thee. St. Thomas Aquinas preached 40 straight days in Rome Italy on just the Hail Mary. We do not know in any detail about the years of his childhood; however, we know that he was born in 1090 in Fontaines, France, into a large and fairly well-to-do family. All my desire, O Lord, is fixed on Thee; O call me, then, and I will follow Thee. The dominant voice of Christian conscience in the second quarter of the twelfth century C.E., his authority was decisive in ending the papal schism of 1130.A conservative in theological matters, he forcefully opposed the early scholastic movement of the . Rev. In his sermons for Advent and Christmas, he draws special attention to the Virgin Mary and her many qualities. implored thy help, Select it and click on the button to choose it. in the unity of the Holy Spirit, In 1112 the Cistercian Order was in serious danger of disappearing. Can it be Thou darest so to enter greedily Into that cell divine? Please help us continue to bring high quality books to our readers at the lowest possible price! May you obtain the grace for us to go to the Son. As the founder and abbot of the Abbey of Clairvaux, St. Bernard (1091-1153) was centrally responsible for the early expansion of the Cistercian Order throughout Europe. one God, for ever and ever. Behold, Thy Blood, O Jesus, flows on me The price of my salvation falls on me; O ruddy as the rose, it drops on me. Through the favor which Thou didst merit. Related Links: Prayers to St Bernard of Clairvaux. - King St. Fernando III, born 100 years to the month after the death of the Cid. Hail, beauteous Face of Jesus, bent on me, Whom angel choirs adore exultantly! O Jesus, how shall I, then, answer Thee, Who am so vile, and have not followed Thee? religious orders. St. Bernard was a monk who lived in 11th century France and became a Doctor of the Church. Fear is the motive which constrains the slave; as if they were rightful attributes of our nature, Yet the text of the Sermon also documents the Virgin's privileged place in the economy of salvation, subsequent to the Mother's most particular participation (compassio)in the sacrifice of the Son. St John Bosco Prayer is what the world needs combined with the example of our lives which testify to the Light of Christ. one God, for ever and ever. by the mercy you brought forth, "The love of God, and spiritual friendship", Multnomah Pub. Behold, O King of Love, I draw to Thee; If I am wrong, O Jesus, pardon me; Thy love, Beloved, calls me lovingly, As I with blushing cheek gaze willingly Upon the living wound that bleeds for me. but the moment any contradiction or adversity arises, Abyss of wisdom from eternity, The harmonies of angels worship Thee; Entrancing sweetness flows, O Breast, from thee; John tasted it as he lay rapt on Thee; O grant me thus that I may dwell in Thee! Great! With this inspired confidence I fly to you my mother, Oh Sweet virgin of virgins, I come to you and before you I stand most sinful and sorrowful. It speaks about Hell (gehena). Today, the Roman Catholic Church honors St. Bernard of Clairvaux (b. How didst Thou all Thyself exhaust for me! as if in hope of gratifying his hunger, Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more. Legends attribute the selection and propagation of the devotion to Bernard of Clairvaux. This is not the mildness which Our Lord undertook II super Missus est,17: PL 183, 70-71). Ah, see! grant, through his intercession, It's FREE! . not only is God recognized but also the Father is loved; Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, despise not my petitions, Do you have a great story? Chase the dark night of sin away, to thee I come, Since I took that habit, I solve problems more easily, and it is a good method Grant that He may receive us through Thee. November 27 (Feast day), Patronage: Benedictine oblates; automobile drivers; widows, Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer For The Unborn, Powerful Healing Prayer by Saint Padre Pio, Powerful Novena Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Powerful Personal Prayer to Our Lord Jesus Christ, Powerful Prayer of Deliverance from All Evil Spirits, Prayer by a Sick Person for Healing to Infant Jesus, Prayer Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Prayer Dictated by Our Lady to Anna Maria, PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE FROM EVERY KIND OF WAR, Prayer for financial help and urgent needs, Prayer for Financial help to Saint Jude Thaddeus, Prayer For Help Against Spiritual Enemies, Prayer for the Families of those who died from Covid 19, Prayer for the feast of our Lady of the Rosary St. Bernard of Clairvaux, despite once referring to himself as a "noisy and troublesome frog", lived a life packed full of intrigue and influence. Saint Bernard had many grave difficulties to overcome at Clairvaux, The man who is wise, therefore, with all my strength I seek for Thee; Upon and in thy Cross I look for Thee; With sorrow and with hope I turn to Thee, That through Thy Blood new health may come to me, That washed therein Thy love may pardon me. St. Bernard preached during the Second Crusade throughout Europe. and walk always as children of light. These works led to his designation as "Doctor of the Church". When from this life, O Love, Thou callest me, Then, Jesus, be not wanting unto me, But in the dreadful hour of agony, O hasten, Lord, and be Thou nigh to me, Defend, protect, and O deliver me. Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books! Hail, holy Shepherd! For Bernard, in fact, true knowledge of God consisted in a personal, profound experience of Jesus Christ and of his love. Reprove it not, O Love; it loves but Thee: Then bid it liveby one sweet taste of Thee! the greater is the glory of her Son. My favorite Roald Dahl book is The BFG, a morality tale about good and bad and what it means to be a Big Friendly Giant.It is also a story about what human beings do to themselves and to each other. Here are some passages from Pope John Paul II: Here is an excerpt from a a sermon by St. Bernard of Clairvaux that teaches us how to meditate. Saint Bernard died at Clarivaux in the year 1153, aged sixty-three years. Sweet Father of the poor! Neither fear nor self-interest can convert the soul. And, dear brothers and sisters, this is true for every Christian: faith is first and foremost a personal, intimate encounter with Jesus, it is having an experience of his closeness, his friendship and his love. Within four years, a dying community had recovered enough vitality to establish a new house in the nearby valley of Wormwoods, with Bernard as abbot. by the great praise we lavish on the Mother; Source: Bernard of Clairvaux, 12th Century Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Middle Ages, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1954. REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Help me to live Jesus' Gospel more fully. St. Bernard of Clairvaux has gifted the Church with many insights into Marian devotion. FAQs. O Heart of Love, who vanquished is by Thee Knows nothing, but beside himself must be; No bounds are set to that sweet liberty, No moderation,he must fly to Thee, Or die he must of many deaths for Thee. Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. 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