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Oil Dedicated to St Bernard of Clairvaux (Doctor of the Church Patron of Cistercians)

St Bernard of Clairvaux (Doctor of the Church Patron of Cistercians) from A Blessed Call To Love, Ireland.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was a French abbot and theologian who lived in the 12th century. He is venerated as a Doctor of the Church and the patron saint of the Cistercian order, which he helped to establish and lead.

Bernard born in Burgundy, France in 1090 and educated at a local school before joining the Cistercian order as a young man. He quickly rose through the ranks of the order, becoming the abbot of the monastery at Clairvaux in 1115.

As abbot, Bernard emphasized the importance of simplicity, austerity, and devotion to God. He wrote extensively on topics such as the nature of God, the role of the Church in society, and the virtues of humility and charity.

Bernard’s writings widely read and had a profound impact on the Church and society at large. He known for his eloquence and his ability to inspire and guide others in their spiritual journeys. He also played a prominent role in the politics of his time, serving as a mediator in disputes between church and state and traveling widely to promote the ideals of the Cistercian order.

In addition to his role as a theologian and leader of the Cistercian order, Saint Bernard remembered for his devotion to the Virgin Mary. He wrote extensively on the subject of Mary’s role in salvation history and credited with popularizing the practice of reciting the Hail Mary prayer.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux venerated as a model of Christian faith and devotion, as well as a symbol of the Cistercian tradition of simplicity, humility, and prayer. His feast day celebrated on August 20th in the Western Church.