MEMORIAL: AUGUST 20
St. Bernard of Clairvaux was born in France at the end of the 11th century. He left his privileged life to enter a Cistersian monastery which focused on an austere lifestyle. He eventually became abbot of his own Cistersian monastery in Clairvaux and helped open many others. Bernard became well known in Europe as he worked to quell high profile political disputes, fight against heresies, and provide biblical commentary in his sermons. He even preached the second crusade and was an advisor to five popes. St. Bernard is known as a mystic and is a doctor of the Church.
