Bernard of Clairvaux, St

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Bernard of Clairvaux, St (1090–1153). Christian monastic reformer and mystical writer. He joined the Cistercian monastery at Citeaux in c.1111, and established at Clairvaux in 1115 a daughter house in which he insisted on rigorous observance and discipline. He combined an emphasis on the love and mercy of God with vehement controversy on this earth. He was officially charged with preaching the Second Crusade. He was canonized in 1174 and proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 1830. Feast day, 20 Aug.

Bernard's understanding of spiritual life is affective, dominated by the way in which the human freedom to consent is met by God's grace so that the consequence of love flows forth.

Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint

views updated Jun 11 2018

Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint (1090?–1153) French mystic and religious leader. He was abbot of the Cistercian monastery of Clairvaux from 1115 until his death. Under his direction nearly 100 new monasteries were founded. He was canonized in 1174. His feast day is August 20.

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Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

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