ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX

PATRON SAINT OF: Chandlers (candle-makers), beekeepers, bees, Gibraltar, Queens College Cambridge, wax-melters, wax refiners

GUIDANCE: French nobility. At age 22, fearing the ways of the world, he, four of his brothers, and 25 friends joined the abbey of Citeaux; his father and another brother joined soon after. Benedictine. Founded and led the monastery at Clairvaux which soon had over 700 monks and 160 daughter houses. Revised and reformed the Cistercans. Advisor to, and admonisher of, King Louis the Fat and King Louis the Young. Attended Second Lateran Council. Fought Albigensianism. Helped end the schism of anti-Pope Anacletus II. Preached in France, Italy, Germany. Helped organize the Second Crusade. Friend and biographer of Saint Malachy O'More. Spritual advisor to Pope Eugenius III, who had originally been one of his monks. First Cistercian monk placed on the calendar of saints. Proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius VIII.

Every morning Bernard would ask himself, "Why have I come here?", and then remind himself of his main duty - lead a holy life.

FEAST DAY: August 20

SAMPLE AFFIRMATIONS: I AM committed to leading a Life that is devoted to God . . . I aggressively seek my Purpose in Life . . . I let my Light shine in everything that I do.

SAMPLE PRAYER: Father, as I walk along my spiritual progression path, help me to find the Purpose you had in mind for me. 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.

Through Jesus Christ's Precious, Pure and Holy name I pray. - Amen

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