Bernard was born in 1090 at Dijon, France, and grew into a cheerful, handsome, intelligent and a highly educated young man of his time. At the age of twenty he surprised everyone by announcing his intention to join the strictest Cistercian Order. He not only kept his word but also brought with him five brothers, two uncles and two-dozen teenager friends to the dying Cistercian community of Citeaux. After re-vitalizing that monastery, Bernard founded another Cistercian community at Wormwoods and named it Clairvaux. This new monastery flourished fast and contributed immensely to the renewal of the Church in Europe.
Though Bernard was a contemplative at heart, circumstances forced him to be involved in secular and Ecclesiastical maters. He was a channel of peace between nations, a formidable opponent of the western schism/anti-Popes, an able adviser to the Supreme Pontiff, an eminent scholar in Theology and Sacred Scriptures and a prolific writer. Moreover, he preached the Second Crusade with such eloquence and conviction that an irresistible European army marched forth to liberate the Holy Land. Its dismal failure due to the un-Christian ideals and motives of the leaders stung him deeply. Bernard’s numerous writings on the Blessed Virgin continue to exert their influence on Christians even today. It is said that whenever he passed in front of his favourite grotto of the Mother of God, he would invariably unbare his hat and salute her saying: Ave Maria (Hail Mary). One day, the Blessed Virgin is reported to have returned his greeting with the words: Ave Bernard (Hail Bernard). This renowned songbird of Mary left the world in 1153 and was canonized in 1174.
Reflection: While leaving for the Cistercian Monastery, Bernard called his youngest brother Nivard and said to him: “God-bye little Nivard. You will now have all the landed property for yourself.” But the boy’s reply was prompt and meaningful; “What! Will you take heaven and leave me the earth? Do you call that fair?” Nivard, too, became a Cistercian monk.
In dangers, in doubts and in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection, you have nothing to fear. (St. Bernard)
