St. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, was born in Burgundy, in 1091. He was at once a reformer of the monastic life, a preacher of the Crusade, a Doctor of the Universal Church, a worker of miracles, a peace-maker between kings, princes, and peoples, the oracle of Popes, and the champion of the Roman See against schisms and heresies. The mortal frame of the saint, consumed by penance and by sickness, could scarcely contain his soul on fire for the glory of God.

This fire communicated itself to those around him; his secretaries had difficulty in recording the numerous miraculous cures which he worked by the touch of his hand, or simply by a blessing. On a visit to Italy he installed at the ancient Abbey ad aquas Salvias, as first abbot, Bernardo Pisano, who became Pope Eugenius III. He died at Clairvaux, August 20, 1153, and was buried at the foot of the Blessed Virgin’s altar. Pius VIII declared him a Doctor of the Church.

(Source: The New Roman Missal, Rev. F. X. Lasance)