Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was a prominent 12th-century French abbot and theologian, known for his influential role in the Cistercian monastic reform and his deep spiritual writings. Born into a noble family, Bernard entered the monastic life at the Abbey of Citeaux and later founded the Abbey of Clairvaux, which became a center of Cistercian life and spirituality. His leadership and vision led to the establishment of numerous monasteries across Europe, significantly expanding the Cistercian order's reach and influence. Bernard's theological contributions are marked by his emphasis on the love of God and the importance of personal experience in faith. His works, including "On Loving God" and "Sermons on the Song of Songs," reflect his profound understanding of mysticism and devotion. He was also a key figure in the promotion of the Second Crusade, advocating for the cause through his powerful sermons. His legacy endures not only in the Cistercian tradition but also in the broader Christian thought, as he is recognized as a Doctor of the Church for his significant contributions to theology and spirituality.
Famous Quotes
View all 8 quotes“A saint is not someone who never sins, but one who sins less and less frequently and gets up more and more quickly.””
“You will find something more in woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters.””
“[Quomodo stilla aquae modica, multo infusa vino, deficere a se tota videtur, dum et saporem vini induit, et colorem; et quomodo ferrum ignitum et candens, igni simillimum fit, pristina propriaque forma exutum; et quomodo solis luce perfusus aer in eamdem transformatur luminis claritatem, adeo ut non tam illuminatus, quam ipsum lumen esse videatur: sic omnem tunc in sanctis humanam affectionem quodam ineffabili modo necesse erit a semetipsa liquescere, atque in Dei penitus transfundi voluntatem.]As a drop of water poured into wine loses itself, and takes the color and savor of wine; or as a bar of iron, heated red-hot, becomes like fire itself, forgetting its own nature; or as the air, radiant with sun-beams, seems not so much to be illuminated as to be light itself; so in the saints all human affections melt away by some unspeakable transmutation into the will of God.””
