St Bernard of Clairvaux
Feast Day August 20

Patron of Candlemakers and Prayer Warriors for Conversion of Souls

St Bernard's devotion to Mary and his ability to foster conversion to the faith through his preaching and his encouragement make him dear to the hearts of MMG members. The following prayer (author unknown) could have been composed by some praying for help in perseverance in pray for a prodigal loved one: Sometimes I get confused and I don't feel certain as to what I should be seeking. Help me to have the same level of devotion to You as St. Bernard of Clairvaux had when he was seeking You. I desire to do Your Will and I know deep in my heart that it will be to my Highest Good.

Who was Saint Bernard of Clairvaux?

     Saint Bernard is considered the second founder of the Cistercians. He and companions joined the order when they were young men. Eventually, Bernard founded the Abbey of Clairvaux and was appointed Abbot. He became the “man of the 12 century” due to the many monasteries he built, and his position as advisor to the pope and other powerful persons, his numerous writings and his preaching. He was one of the most powerful influences in Europe for his time.
     A collection of his letters, numbering at least 500, were written for Pope Eugene. Bernard’s reflections on Scripture, and his deep devotion to Mary and the Infant Jesus had a profound effect on Catholic spirituality. He was canonized in 1174, declared a Doctor of the Church in 1830, and is considered the last of the Fathers of the Church.
     The text two of his prayers, well known to modern Catholics are found on this web page.

St Bernard's Words About Our Lady

In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may more surely obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear. ~St. Bernard

Prayers of St Bernard

O SACRED HEAD
By St. Bernard Of Clairvaux

O Sacred Head surrounded by crown of piercing thorn! O bleeding Head, so wounded, reviled and put to scorn! Death's pallid hue comes o'er Thee, the glow of life decays,
Yet angel hosts adore Thee and tremble as they gaze.

I see Thy strength and vigor all fading in the strife, And death, with cruel vigor, bereaving Thee of life; O agony and dying! O love to sinners free! Jesus, all grace supplying, O turn Thy face on me!

In this Thy bitter Passion, Good Shepherd, think. of me, With Thy most sweet compassion, unworthy though I be; Beneath Thy Cross abiding, forever would I rest, In Thy dear love confiding, and wilth Thy presence blest.

The Memorare
By St. Bernard Of Clairvaux

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, and sought thy intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother, to thee I come, before thee I stand sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate! despise not my petitions, but, in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.