Wednesday, 20th August, is the Memorial of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, (1090-1153), often said to be last of the Western Fathers of the Church. He came from a noble family near Dijon and as a young man was known for his wit and charm. In 1113, he joined the original Cistercian monastery at Citeaux, along with four of his brothers and 27 friends, whom he persuaded to join him. This large novitiate completely revived what was a floundering monastery and in 1115, Citeax sent Bernard and 12 other monks to form a daughter house at Langres. Inexperienced, Bernard made mistakes and was initially too strict on matters of poverty, but he soon gained wisdom Indeed, his reputation for holiness attracted many other aspirants and the monastery flourished. It changed its name to Clairvaux and in turn from Clairvaux went on to found 68 other monasteries across France and Europe, including several here in Britain. Bernard’s influence extended to other spiritual leaders and to secular leaders. He devised a rule for the Order of Templars. He became vocal in ecclesiastical politics and outspoken in his attacks on heresy. He was charismatic preacher, who called for support for the Second Crusade against the Turks. He has left numerous writings, which are deeply emotive and full of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His treatise On the Love of God and his sermons On the Song of Songs are spiritual classics. His popular name “Doctor Mellifluous” reflects his sweet, affective teaching. In his monastic work, he blended mysticism with practical economic development. He died at Clairvaux on 20th August 1153 and was hailed a saint shortly after his death. He was named a Doctor of the Church in 1830 by Pope Pius VIII. In art, his emblem is a beehive, symbolising his eloquence. On Wednesday, let us pray for the religious of our Diocese, and for vocations to religious life.[Image: Crossroads Initiative][Portsmouth Diocese e-News]