Saint Bernard (1090–1153) was a French abbot who entered the young Cistercian order and founded the great monastery of Clairvaux, from which dozens of other monasteries grew. A brilliant preacher and writer, he counseled popes and kings, helped heal a papal schism, and wrote tenderly of the love of God and devotion to Mary. He is honored as a Doctor of the Church, called the 'Mellifluous Doctor' for the sweetness of his words.
Bernard shows us that a heart wholly given to God overflows in love for others — he left quiet cloister walls again and again to bring peace where there was division. He teaches that the deepest reason to love God is God Himself, and that prayer is not a duty but a homecoming. His trust in Mary's gentle intercession reminds us we never pray alone.
Saint Bernard, lover of God and faithful son of Mary, teach us to seek the Lord with our whole heart, and keep Ben and all our beloved close in the sweetness of God's love. Amen.