Today the Church honors Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153), a Doctor of the Church and a reformer of the Cistercian Order.
Known for his deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and his writings that shaped medieval spirituality, St. Bernard is remembered as the “Mellifluous Doctor” for the sweetness of his preaching.
Prayer of the Day
Heavenly Father,
Through the intercession of Saint Bernard, fill our hearts with a burning love for You and a deeper devotion to Your Blessed Mother. Help us to live in humility and wisdom, always seeking Your will in all things. Strengthen us to embrace charity, defend the truth, and work tirelessly for the unity of Your Church.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mass Readings of the Day
- First Reading: Judges 9:6-15
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 21:2-7 — “Lord, in your strength the king is glad.”
- Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16 — The parable of the laborers in the vineyard.
Saint of the Day: Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
- Born: 1090, Burgundy, France
- Died: 1153, Clairvaux, France
- Patron of: Beekeepers, candlemakers, and Gibraltar
- Known for: His writings on Mary, his role in the Second Crusade, and reforming the Cistercian monastic order
5 Interesting Facts about St. Bernard
- He was instrumental in spreading devotion to Our Lady, composing the famous “Memorare” prayer.
- He founded the Abbey of Clairvaux, which became a center of monastic reform.
- Pope Eugenius III, his disciple, became the first Cistercian pope.
- He was known for his strong preaching that could move entire crowds to conversion.
- Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1830 for his spiritual writings and teachings
