He is often cited for saying that Mary Magdalene was the Apostle to the Apostles. Bernard was the third of seven children, six of whom were sons. Bernard et la théologie monastiqudeu XII siècle,"in For this, he was offered, and he refused, the archbishopric of Milan. It was here, also, that he produced a small but complete treatise on Mariology (study of doctrines and dogmas concerning the Virgin Mary), “Praises of the Virgin Mother.” Bernard was to become a major champion of a moderate cult of the Virgin, though he did not support the notion of Mary’s Immaculate Conception. It was a time when Bernard was experiencing what he apprehended as the divine in a mystical and intuitive manner. The last years of Bernard's life were saddened by the failure of the Second Crusade he had preached, the entire responsibility for which was thrown upon him. [4], In the year 1119, Bernard was present at the first general chapter of the order convoked by Stephen of Cîteaux. 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. He defended the rights of the Church against the encroachments of kings and princes, and recalled to their duty Henry Archbishop of Sens , and Stephen de Senlis, Bishop of Paris . About the same time, Bernard was visited at Clairvaux by Malachy, Primate of All Ireland, and a very close friendship formed between them. He wrote at this time his sermons on the Song of Songs. Bernard of Clairvaux is the attributed author of poems often translated in English hymnals as: The modern critical edition is Sancti Bernardi opera (1957–1977), edited by Jean Leclercq.[33][d]. He was an Abbot in the Cistercian order. [4], The beginnings of Clairvaux Abbey were trying and painful. In 1139, Bernard assisted at the Second Council of the Lateran. He hastened to terminate his worldly life and restore discipline in his monastery. He did not pledge allegiance to Innocent until 1135. Please select which sections you would like to print: Corrections? In May of that year, the pope, supported by the army of Lothair III, entered Rome, but Lothair III, feeling himself too weak to resist the partisans of Anacletus, retired beyond the Alps, and Innocent sought refuge in Pisa in September 1133. Local system number: During the absence of the Bishop of Langres, Bernard was blessed as abbot by William of Champeaux, Bishop of Châlons-sur-Marne, who saw in him the predestined man, servum Dei. Bernard was only nineteen years of age when his mother died. After that, Bernard spent most of his time in Italy persuading the Italians to pledge allegiance to Innocent. James Meeker Ludlow describes the scene romantically in his book The Age of the Crusades: A large platform was erected on a hill outside the city. Bernard soon saw one of his disciples elected Pope Eugene III. In June 1145, at the invitation of Cardinal Alberic of Ostia, Bernard traveled in southern France. vicar of stalisfield. Saint Bernard de Clairvaux “The Virgin’s name was Mary“, (Lk.1:27) which means ‘Star of the Sea.’This admirably befits the Virgin Mother. Towards the end of 1134, he made a second journey into Aquitaine, where William X had relapsed into schism. In 1120, Bernard wrote his first work, De Gradibus Superbiae et Humilitatis, and his homilies which he entitled De Laudibus Mariae. The influence of the Abbot of Clairvaux was soon felt in provincial affairs. He turned away from his literary education, begun at the school at Châtillon-sur-Seine, and from ecclesiastical advancement, toward a life of renunciation and solitude. The Library of the Cistercian Abbey of Clairvaux at the time of Pierre de Virey (1472) PART A – ESSENTIAL INFORMATION 1. [6], So great was his reputation that princes and Popes sought his advice, and even the enemies of the Church admired the holiness of his life and the greatness of his writings. 1473. Clothe yourselves in sackcloth, but also cover yourselves with your impenetrable bucklers. All Public Masses in the Archdiocese of Toronto Are Temporarily Cancelled. Bernard is Dante Alighieri's last guide, in Divine Comedy, as he travels through the Empyrean. 12/26/2020 In accordance with provincial restrictions to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, all in-person Masses in the Archdiocese of Toronto are temporarily cancelled. During an absence from Clairvaux, the Grand Prior of the Abbey of Cluny went to Clairvaux and enticed away Bernard's cousin, Robert of Châtillon. The familial atmosphere engendered in him a deep respect for mercy, justice, and loyal affection for others. (Of Mary, never enough!) The same year Bernard was again at the Council of Reims at the side of Innocent II. He also silenced the final supporters who sustained the schism. St Bernard of Clairvaux and Peter Abelard. [12] Bernard lobbied the prelates on the evening before the debate, swaying many of them to his view. He is labeled the "Mellifluous Doctor" for his eloquence. Aliases: Św. He then went to Aquitaine where he succeeded for the time in detaching William X, Duke of Aquitaine, from the cause of Anacletus.[5]. There Bernard preached an immediate faith, in which the intercessor was the Virgin Mary. Summary Ref: 2008-22 Clairvaux Abbey was founded in 1115 by Bernard de Fontaines, who directed it until his death in 1153. Disciples flocked to it in great numbers and put themselves under the direction of Bernard. … She, I say, is that shining and brilliant star, needed so much, set in place above life’s great and spacious sea, glittering with merits, all aglow with examples for our imitation. Growing up my family had a St. Bernard dog. "[18], Bernard then passed into Germany, and the reported miracles which multiplied almost at his every step undoubtedly contributed to the success of his mission. From the beginning of the year 1153, Bernard felt his death approaching. At the solicitation of William of St. Thierry, Bernard defended the order by publishing his Apology which was divided into two parts. Drawn as much by the fame of the monk as by the mandates of the king and the Pope, a vast assembly of prelates and nobles gathered at Vézelay in Burgundy. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) was a French abbot, confessor, saint, and Doctor of the Church. Tome II: (Sermons 23–69). and the english monasteries” “the great … [16] His preaching, aided by his ascetic looks and simple attire, helped doom the new sects. Introduction and notes by F … Hasten then to expiate your sins by victories over the Infidels, and let the deliverance of the holy places be the reward of your repentance." He subsequently denounced the teachings of Peter Abelard to the pope, who called a council at Sens in 1141 to settle the matter. The need for healthy theological discussion in the Church. The movement found an ardent and powerful advocate in Peter Abelard. The passing of Pope Eugenius had struck the fatal blow by taking from him one whom he considered his greatest friend and consoler. [25], One day, to cool down his lustful temptation, Bernard threw himself into ice-cold water. Conrad III of Germany and his nephew Frederick Barbarossa, received the cross from the hand of Bernard. Bernard, abbot of Clairvaux, was a monk who spent most of his time out of the cloister, a spiritual man who seemed always embroiled in politics and a man of peace who convinced thousands to fight and die for their faith. St. Bernard of Clairvaux (feast day is August 20th) They are characterized by repetition of references to the Church Fathers and by the use of analogues, etymologies, alliterations, and biblical symbols, and they are imbued with resonance and poetic genius. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or with your entire family, your visit to Cloisters of the Monastery of Saint Bernard de Clairvaux will be a highlight of your holiday – and your hotel should be too! [6] His father and all his brothers entered Clairvaux to pursue religious life, leaving only Humbeline, his sister, in the secular world. Bernard had returned to France in June and was continuing the work of peacemaking which he had commenced in 1130. L’Amour de Dieu et La Grâce et le Libre Arbitre | Bernard de Clairvaux | download | B–OK. [28] He was the first Cistercian monk placed on the calendar of saints and was canonized by Alexander III 18 January 1174. Bernard had a great taste for literature and devoted himself for some time to poetry. He was accused of being a monk who meddled with matters that did not concern him. Although the councils of Étampes, Würzburg, Clermont, and Rheims all supported Innocent, large portions of the Christian world still supported Anacletus. Bernard later commented that Gerard was his most formidable opponent during the whole schism. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. If thou art tossed by the waves of pride or ambition, detraction or envy, look to the star, call upon Mary. 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. At the conference held at Palermo, Bernard succeeded in convincing Roger of the rights of Innocent II. Many letters, treatises, and other works, falsely attributed to him survive, and are now referred to as works by pseudo-Bernard. Bernard considered lectio divina and contemplation guided by the Holy Spirit the keys to nourishing Christian spirituality. Bernard invited William to the Mass which he celebrated in the Church of La Couldre. from the translation of the late dr. eales. The central elements of Bernard's Mariology are how he explained the virginity of Mary, the "Star of the Sea", and her role as Mediatrix. Latin text by J. L eclercq, H. R ochais, and C h. H. T albot. [24] Calvin also quotes him in setting forth his doctrine of a forensic alien righteousness, or as it is commonly called imputed righteousness. Other websites. After the council, the bishop of Verdun was deposed. Bernard did not reject human philosophy which is genuine philosophy, which leads to God; he differentiates between different kinds of knowledge, the highest being theological. This was the occasion of the longest and most emotional of Bernard's letters. Updates? Bernard, informed of this by William of St-Thierry, is said to have held a meeting with Abelard intending to persuade him to amend his writings, during which Abelard repented and promised to do so. On 31 March, with King Louis VII of France present, he preached to an enormous crowd in a field at Vézelay, making "the speech of his life". Temporal matters are merely accessories; the principles according to Bernard's work were that piety and meditation were to precede action. "[27], Bernard's theology and Mariology continue to be of major importance, particularly within the Cistercian and Trappist orders. S-a născut într-o familie de nobili din nord estul ținutului Bourgogne în localitatea Fontaine, lângă Dijon. The enthusiasm of the assembly of Clermont in 1095, when Peter the Hermit and Urban II launched the first crusade, was matched by the holy fervor inspired by Bernard as he cried, "O ye who listen to me! Bernard expanded upon Anselm of Canterbury's role in transmuting the sacramentally ritual Christianity of the Early Middle Ages into a new, more personally held faith, with the life of Christ as a model and a new emphasis on the Virgin Mary. Bernard de Clairvaux: Sermons Divers. After writing a eulogy for the new military order of the Knights Templar, he would write about the fundamentals of Christian spiritual life, namely the contemplation and imitation of Christ, which he expressed in his sermons “The Steps of Humility” and “The Love of God.”. He had a spe­cial de­vo­tion to the Blessed Vir­gin, and there is no one who speaks more sub­lime­ly of the Queen of Heav­en. He was also the patron of the Knights Templar. [9], Again reproaches arose against Bernard and he was denounced, even in Rome. [4], In 1139, Bernard assisted at the Second Council of the Lateran, in which the surviving adherents of the schism were definitively condemned. He recalled the city of Milan to obedience to the pope as they had followed the deposed Anselm V, Archbishop of Milan. King Louis VI of France convened a national council of the French bishops at Étampes in 1130, and Bernard was chosen to judge between the rivals for pope. About the same time he wrote his work on Grace and Free Will. At his death, they numbered 343. Hasten to appease the anger of heaven, but no longer implore its goodness by vain complaints. St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the second founder of the Cistercians, the Mellifluous Doctor, the apostle of the Crusades, the miracle-worker, the reconciler of kings, the leader of peoples, the counselor of popes! Bernard of Clairvaux (Latin: Bernardus Claraevallensis; 1090 – 20 August 1153), venerated as Saint Bernard, was a Burgundian abbot, and a major leader in the revitalization of Benedictine monasticism through the nascent Order of Cistercians.. St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church is a medieval Spanish monastery cloister which was built in the town of Sacramenia in Segovia, Spain, in the 12th century but dismantled in the 20th century and shipped to New York City in the United States. He was the first Cistercian placed on the calendar of saints, and was canonized by Pope Alexander III on 18 January 1174. Bernard of Clairvaux quotes Pope Honorius delegated Bernard to preach throughout France and Germany the renewal of the holy war. saint bernard abbot of clairvaux. There is not left one man to seven women, and everywhere there are widows to still-living husbands. Bernard's entry at Catholic Encyclopedia This page … She, with the consent of her husband, soon took the veil in the Benedictine nunnery of Jully-les-Nonnains. http://www.continents-interieurs.info/Michel-Cazenave/Bernard-de-Clairvaux He was sent to found a new abbey at an isolated clearing in a glen known as the Val d'Absinthe, about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) southeast of Bar-sur-Aube. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) was a French theologian. Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint (1090 or 91-1153), Mary Blessed Virgin, Saint, Malachy Saint (1094?-1148), Jesus Christ, Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint (1090 or 1091-1153), Bernard, de Clairvaux Saint (1090 ou 91-1153), Bridget of Sweden, Saint (ca. Bernard of Clairvaux (French saint, Cistercian abbot, and writer, 1090-1153) [5], Bernard had occupied himself in sending bands of monks from his overcrowded monastery into Germany, Sweden, England, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, and Italy. Bernard died at the age of 63, after 40 years as a monk. That dog breed did not receive its namesake from St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Returning to Molesme, he left the government of the new abbey to Alberic of Cîteaux, who died in the year 1109. rolled over the fields, and was echoed by the voice of the orator: "Cursed be he who does not stain his sword with blood. He wanted to excel in literature in order to take up the study of the Bible. It was at this council that Bernard traced the outlines of the Rule of the Knights Templar who soon became the ideal of Christian nobility. Bernard is said to have flung off his own robe and began tearing it into strips to make more. [6], Bernard was instrumental in re-emphasizing the importance of lectio divina and contemplation on Scripture within the Cistercian order. [4], Towards the close of the 11th century, a spirit of independence flourished within schools of philosophy and theology. 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. Aleth’s death, in 1107, so affected Bernard that he claimed that this is when his “long path to complete conversion” began. Overview of France's Clairvaux Abbey, with a discussion of the Cistercian order. Henry I was sceptical because most of the bishops of England supported Antipope Anacletus II; Bernard persuaded him to support Innocent. [31], The Couvent et Basilique Saint-Bernard, a collection of buildings dating from the 12th, 17th and 19th centuries, is dedicated to Bernard and stands in his birthplace of Fontaine-lès-Dijon.[32]. Saouma, Brigitte. He then went with him into Italy and reconciled Pisa with Genoa, and Milan with the pope. The bishops made Bernard secretary of the council, and charged him with drawing up the synodal statutes. At the 800th anniversary of his death, Pope Pius XII issued an encyclical on Bernard, Doctor Mellifluus, in which he labeled him "The Last of the Fathers." [18], There was at first virtually no popular enthusiasm for the crusade as there had been in 1095. He was sent to found a new abbey at an isolated clearing in a glen known as the Val d'Absinthe, about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) southeast of Bar-sur-Aube. selected, with a preface, by. The regimen was so austere that Bernard became ill, and only the influence of his friend William of Champeaux and the authority of the general chapter could make him mitigate the austerities. In opposition to the rational approach to divine understanding that the scholastics adopted, Bernard preached an immediate faith, in which the intercessor was the Virgin Mary. The first to die was Suger in 1152, of whom Bernard wrote to Eugene III, "If there is any precious vase adorning the palace of the King of Kings it is the soul of the venerable Suger". Bernard went again to Italy, where Roger II of Sicily was endeavouring to withdraw the Pisans from their allegiance to Innocent. For this reason, the Black Monks attempted to make it appear that the rules of the new order were impracticable. This caused the pope to be recognized by all the great powers. He also preached against Catharism. He could also commune with nature and say: Believe me, for I know, you will find something far greater in the woods than in books. The archbishop of Cologne and the archbishop of Mainz were vehemently opposed to these attacks and asked Bernard to denounce them. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. His texts are prescribed readings in Cistercian congregations. However, Innocent insisted on Bernard's company when he met with Lothair II, Holy Roman Emperor. Overview of St. Bernard of Clairvaux's life. [14], Having previously helped end the schism within the Church, Bernard was now called upon to combat heresy. Abelard's treatise on the Trinity had been condemned as heretical in 1121, and he was compelled to throw his own book into the fire. He had a special devotion to the Virgin Mary, and he later wrote several works about the Queen of Heaven.[4]. At the General Audience on Wednesday, 4 November [2009], in St Peter's Square, the Holy Father spoke of the theological controversy between St Bernard of Clairvaux and Peter Abelard and of what we can learn from it today. In a letter to the people of Toulouse, undoubtedly written at the end of 1146, Bernard calls upon them to extirpate the last remnants of the heresy. It was here that his first writings evolved. As in the First Crusade, the preaching led to attacks on Jews; a fanatical French monk named Radulphe was apparently inspiring massacres of Jews in the Rhineland, Cologne, Mainz, Worms, and Speyer, with Radulphe claiming Jews were not contributing financially to the rescue of the Holy Land. [26], Bernard "noted centuries ago: the people who are their own spiritual directors have fools for disciples. Louis VI convened a national council of the French bishops at Étampes, and Bernard, summoned there by consent of the bishops, was chosen to judge between the rival popes.