Jockle, Clemens. uCatholic. In the year 1140, we find Bernard engaged in other matters which disturbed the peace of the Church. Bernard walked hundreds of miles and talked to a great number of influential people in order to ensure Innocents ultimate acceptance. Bernard went again to Italy, where Roger of Sicily was endeavouring to withdraw the Pisans from their allegiance to Innocent. Clairvaux becoming too small for the religious who crowded there, it was necessary to send out bands to found new houses. Bernard suffered frequent bouts of ill health, almost from the moment he joined the Cistercians. The Lords Supper Is a Multiethnic Love Feast, Nondenominational Churches Are Growing and Multiplying in DC. St. Bernard of Clairvaux Novena - Pray More Novenas Bernard's successes in promising God's protection of the crusaders, however, proved to be anything but prophetic. She has kissed his feet in repentance, kissed his hand in spiritual growth as the bridegroom guides her toward maturity, and now in confidence, she kisses his mouth and joins him in the sweet embrace of love (sermons 18). St Bernard staunchly supported what amounted to an utter veneration of the Virgin Mary for the whole of his life and was also an enthusiastic supporter of a rather strange little extract from the Old Testament, entitled Solomons Song of Songs. The King, Louis le Jeune, Queen Eleanor, and the princes and lords present prostrated themselves at the feet of the Abbot of Clairvaux to receive the cross. Towards the close of the eleventh century, the schools of philosophy and theology, dominated by the passion for discussion and a spirit of independence which had introduced itself into political and religious questions, became a veritable public arena, with no other motive than that of ambition. He is thus doubly-armed, and need fear neither demons nor men.". St Bernard died in Clairvaux on August 20th 1153, a date that would soon become his feast day, for St Bernard was canonised within a few short years of his death. Bernard was scarcely nineteen years of age when his mother died. At the conference held at Palermo, Bernard succeeded in convincing Roger of the rights of Innocent II and in silencing Peter of Pisa who sustained Anacletus. A much fuller and more comprehensive detailed biography of St Bernards life can be found in The Knights Templar Revealed Butler and Dafoe, Constable and Robinson 2006. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. He recalled the city of Milan, which had been deceived and misled by the ambitious prelate Anselm, Archbishop of Milan, to obedience to the pose, refused the Archbishopric of Milan, and returned finally to Clairvaux. "The voice of conscience, the dominating figure in the Catholic Church from 1125 to 1153" [1], his authority helped to end the schism of 1130. But Bernard does not stop here. A conservative in theological matters, he forcefully opposed the early scholastic movement of the twelfth century, denouncing its great exponent, Peter Abelard, forcing him into retirement from his teaching position at the University of Paris, and later convicting him of heresy. St. Bernard of Clairvaux | EWTN He did not rest a moment until a second condemnation was procured at Rome in the following year. About the same time he wrote his work on "Grace and Free Will". Much can be found elsewhere in these pages relating specifically to the Cistercians. It was this general chapter that gave definitive form to the constitutions of the order and the regulations of the "Charter of Charity" which Pope Callixtus II confirmed 23 December, 1119. St. Bernard of Clairvaux was a French abbot who lived in the 1000s-1100s. "The history of the calamities and the refutation of his doctrine by St. Bernard", says Ratisbonne, "form the greatest episode of the twelfth century". Catholic Almanac. Bernard was instrumental in the appointment of GREGORIO PAPARESCHI, Pope Innocent II in the year 1130, despite the fact that not all agencies supported the man for the Papal throne. He advanced among other absurdities that the essence and the attributes of God are not God, that the properties of the Persons of the Trinity are not the persons themselves in fine that the Divine Nature did not become incarnate. At their first meeting in 1144, Bernard bested her, as she broke down under the great monk's scolding and agreed to mend her arrogant ways. French saint and one of the most powerful men of his time, Bernard of Clairvaux led the Cistercian order of White Monks, who adhered to the strictest form of Benedictinism, to its greatest growth and the height of its influence. 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. Hammer against heresies, promoter of crusades, and founder of monasteries. Bernard announced his determination to follow the Cistercian way of life and together with his entourage he swamped the small abbey, swelling the number of brothers there to such an extent that it was inevitable that more abbeys would have to be formed. This was a triumph for the order, as well as for Bernard, who complained that all who had suits to press at Rome applied to him, as though he himself had become pope. Saint Bernard de Clairvaux summary | Britannica His nemesis this time was the greatest intellect of the age, Peter Abelard. Bernard's great desire was to excel in literature in order to take up the study of Sacred Scripture, which later on became, as it were, his own tongue. A theologian and Doctor of the Church, he dominated Europe through his eloquence and his counselling of popes and rulers. France; died at Clairvaux, 21 August, 1153. Significantly, this second phase, in many ways the one that occupies most of our lives as wayfarers on earth, is essentially that of worship and praise of God. In our opinion past researchers have generally failed to credit St Bernard with the pivotal role he played in the planning, formation and promotion of the infant Templar Order. Much could be written about the nature of St Bernard. Bernard was aging, exhausted by his austerities, and saddened by the failure of the Second Crusade as well as by loss of several of his early friends. Infused with a profound intellect and renowned for his holiness, he bestowed a very rich doctrine and Gospel witness to the Church's tradition. Constitutionally unfit for the military of his father, his own disposition as well as his mother's early influence directed him toward a career in the church. Even with all his other duties and interests, he was first and foremost a monk who lived in accordance with the strictest rules. Subscribe to CT Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 - August 21, 1153) was a French abbot and the primary builder of the reforming Cistercian monastic order. Butlers Lives of the Saints, rev. 15). Farmer, D.H., ed. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux | Franciscan Media Bernard is considered the founder of the Cistercian order and the last of the Fathers of the Church. In such an essay as this we can merely introduce a corner of Bernards richness, yet from any corner of his thought we are led back always to the center, to the love of God. Declining to believe that he and the Pope could have been wrong to involve Christendom in the first place, he ascribed the Crusade's failure to the sins of the crusaders and other Christians themselves (Episte 288; de Consideratione. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Bernard, in March and April 1148, had accompanied the Pope to the Council of Reims, where Bernard led the attack on certain propositions of the scholastic theologian Gilbert de la Porre. In harmony with the entire Christian tradition, Bernard insists that we find confidence in ourselves because of what God has done for us, first, by creating us in his image, and second, by redeeming us from our failure. That was St. Bernard of Menthon, not the Cistercian reformer of the 12th Century. Born Fontaine de Dijon France 1090 Died Clairvaux, near Troyes, Champagne France August 20th 1153 Bernard of Clairvaux may well represent the most important figure in Templarism. Bernard died in the sixty-third year of his age, after forty years spent in the cloister. Bernard, the third of a family of seven children, six of whom were sons, was educated with particular care, because, while yet unborn, a devout man had foretold his great destiny. The schism of the Church was healed and the abbot of Clairvaux was free to return in triumph to his monastery. Bernard's works have been reprinted in many editions and he remains popular among both Protestants and Catholics. Bernards influence grew within the established Church of his day. Bernard of Clairvaux may well represent the most important figure in Templarism. "De amore Dei" wherein St. Bernard shows that the manner of loving God is to love Him without measure and gives the different degree of this love; "Book of Precepts and Dispensations" (1131), which contains answers to questions upon certain points of the Rule of St. Benedict from which the abbot can, or cannot, dispense; "De Gratia et Libero Arbitrio" in which the Catholic dogma of grace and free will is proved according to the principles of St. Augustine; "Book of Considerations", addressed to Pope Eugenius III; "De Officiis Episcoporum", addressed to Henry, Archbishop of Sens.His sermons are also numerous: "On Psalm 90, 'Qui habitat'" (about 1125); "On the Canticle of Canticles". Soon people began to hear of this extremely pious man and came to hear him preach, and his sermons became very popular. We cannot take ourselves too seriously, since we took our first steps in this process by a candid, honest, genuine self-awareness and sorrow for our sins. Delaney, J.J. He defended the rights of the Church against the encroachments of kings and princes, and recalled to their duty Henry Archbishop of Sense, and Stephen de Senlis, Bishop of Paris. He also preached in Flanders and the Rhine provinces. Abelard, meanwhile, had collapsed at the abbey of Cluny on his way to defend himself at Rome. He helped lead a reform of Benedictine monasticism. In the refectory only a few common fishes were found for the pope, and instead of wine, the juice of herbs was served for drink, says an annalist of Citeaux. For more than 40 years Bernard took part in almost every great historic event, from helping Pope Innocent II gain acceptance to persuading the Lombards to make Lothair II their emperor. This is exemplified by the short verse he once wrote. Are St. Bernard dogs named after St. Bernard of Clairvaux? Bernard of Clairvaux, St. | Encyclopedia.com The saint was obliged to use portions of his habit to make crosses to satisfy the zeal and ardour of the multitude who wished to take part in the Crusade. His success in this endeavour marked St Bernard as probably the most powerful man in Christendom, for as Pope Maker he probably had more influence than the Pontiff himself. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. ISBN links support NWE through referral fees. All of this occurs in the Church. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. The pope commissioned Bernard to preach a new Crusade and granted the same indulgences for it which Urban II had accorded to the first. At the great meeting at Vzelay, on March 21, after Bernard's sermon, Louis and his queen, Eleanor, took the cross, together with a host of all classes, so numerous that the stock of crosses was soon exhausted. This traditional medieval theology taught that men and women were created in the image and likeness of God, but that this image has been corrupted, tarnished, and distortedbut not destroyedby sin. Get the best from CT editors, delivered straight to your inbox! He was nourished and shaped by the language of the Bible. His preaching, aided by his reputation and ascetic appearance, was an effective tool for the Catholic cause at least temporarily, since it provided evidence that the heretics did not possess a monopoly on missionary work and humility. Cardinal Harmeric, on behalf of the pope, wrote Bernard a sharp letter of remonstrance. -. Henry rejected the doctrinal and disciplinary authority of the Roman Church, accepted the Gospel as the primary rule of faith, and considered both infant baptism and some other Catholic sacraments to be invalid. Bernard was scarcely nineteen years of age when his mother died. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux's Story. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. written to Eugene III and describing the nature of papal power, shows no sign of failing power. Philippians Is Full of Pithy Sayings. Saint Bernard de Clairvaux, (born 1090, probably Fontaine-les-Dijons, near Dijon, Burgundydied Aug. 20, 1153, Clairvaux, Champagne; canonized 1174; feast day August 20), French Cistercian monk, mystic, and doctor of the church. St. Bernard of Clairvaux - Christian Apostles.com Monks and nuns give themselves to this reformation under the guidance of the monastic rule and the leadership of experienced spiritual directors. A new, third level of content, designed specially to meet the advanced needs of the sophisticated scholar. One reason for his extended preaching tour into Germany was the rabble-rousing of an itinerant monk, Radulf, who had stirred the German populace to violent anti-Semitic attacks. In a synod convoked by Louis the Fat at Etampes in April 1130, Bernard successfully asserted Innocent's claims against those of Anacletus and became Innocent's most influential supporter. The Chinese Bible Tells Me So. St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Williams was a professor at the University of Manchester in England and was one of the first English scholars in the 20th century to do serious research on Bernard. Englebert, Omar. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. lxvi. Healing comes through worship. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). CTWeekly delivers the best content from ChristianityToday.com to your inbox each week. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We hope you and your family enjoy the NEW Britannica Kids. Many other letters, treatises, etc., falsely attributed to him are found among his works, such as the "l'Echelle du Cloitre", which is the work of Guigues, Prior of La Grande Chartreuse, les Meditations, l'Edification de la Maison interieure, etc. All rights reserved. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, O.Cist ( 1090 - August 21, 1153) was a French abbot and the primary builder of the reforming Cistercian monastic order. He brought a total of 14 charges against Abelard, concerning the nature of the Trinity and God's mercy. The insights into human psychology, and into the life of the spirit hidden in the mystery of Christ that are found in these writings can be studied and digested with profit by 20th-century Christians, if they are willing to slow down to thoughtfully read, ponder, chew, and savor these books until their wisdom melts in the mouth. At the time of St Bernards arrival the abbey was under the guiding hand of Stephen, later St Stephen Harding, an Englishman. After translating an article, all tools except font up/font down will be disabled. The mature and most active phase of Bernard's career occurred between 1130 and 1145. The Memorare has been attributed to St. Augustine, St. John Chrysostom and St. Bernard of Clairvaux. However, if a heretic refused to see the error of his ways, Bernard considered that "he should be driven away, or even a restraint put upon his liberty" (Serm. Although Rome supported Anacletus, France, England, Spain and Germany declared for Innocent. Bernard passed into Germany, and the miracles which multiplied almost at his every step undoubtedly contributed to the success of his mission. There Bernard was appointed abbot, a remarkable rise for such a recent initiate. He was sent, with 12 other monks, to establish the Clairvaux abbey in Champagne, where he remained the abbot until he died. Saint of the day: Bernard of Clairvaux - Angelus These cookies do not store any personal information. Bernard, the founding abbot of Clairvaux Abbey in Burgundy, was one of the most commanding Church leaders in the first half of the twelfth century as well as one of the greatest spiritual masters of all times and the most powerful propagator of the Cistercian reform. St. Robert, Abbot of Molesmes, had founded, in 1098, the monastery of Citeaux, about four leagues from Dijon, with the purpose of restoring the Rule of St. Benedict in all its rigour. How and why St Bernard became involved in the formation of the Knights Templar may never be fully understood. It was on the occasion of this visit, 1147, that a council was held at Paris, at which the errors of Gilbert de la Poree, Bishop of Poitiers, were examined. The next step is to love God for Gods sake alone. Even more important was his activity in the following year, 1146, when Bernard was asked by Louis VII of France of France whether it would be right to raise a crusade. St. Bernard explained in eighty-six sermons only the first two chapters of the Canticle of Canticles and the first verse of the third chapter. Cross, F.L., ed. He wrote at this time his sermons on the "Canticle of Canticles". There is some dispute as to whether Bernards father had fought in the storming of Jerusalem in 1099, and indeed whether he died in the Levant. in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. The monastery, however, made rapid progress. It was about expressing in intellectual terms the simple spiritual path of devotion by which the soul finds loving communion with God. The Emperor Conrad and his nephew Frederick Barbarossa, received the pilgrims' cross from the hand of Bernard, and Pope Eugenius, to encourage the enterprise, came in person to France. St. Malachi would gladly have taken the Cistercian habit, but the sovereign pontiff would not give his permission. The regime was so austere that Bernard's health was impaired by it, and only the influence of his friend William of Champeaux, and the authority of the General Chapter could make him mitigate his austerities. for less than $4.25/month. Christian monastic reformer and mystical writer. Did St. Bernard compose the Memorare prayer? - Aleteia There is some dispute in Marietta as to whether Bernards father had fought in the storming of Jerusalem in 1099, and indeed whether he died in the Levant. St. Bernard of Clairvaux did a lot for the Church, and he was named a Doctor of the Church. I like reading this kind of blog. St Bernard travelled extensively, negotiated in civil disturbances and, surprisingly for the period, was instrumental in preventing a number of pogroms taking place against Jews in various locations within what is present day France. It flows out of ones own experience of pain and sorrow, and out of Gods healing goodness and mercy. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. The news of the defeats of the crusading host first reached Bernard at Clairvaux, where Pope Eugene III, driven from Rome by the revolution of Arnold of Brescia, was his guest. Returning to Molesmes, he left the government of the new abbey to St. Alberic, who died in the year 1109. The emboldened Innocent now traveled to Rome, where Bernard, never one to compromise, shrewdly resisted an attempt reopen negotiations with Anacletus. He protests his profound esteem for the Benedictines of Cluny whom he declares he loves equally as well as the other religious orders. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux | uCatholic
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