Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (20 August): Be Faithful Children of the Blessed Virgin

About this sermon

St. Bernard of Clairvaux was one of the towering saints of medieval Christendom—a Cistercian abbot, Doctor of the Church, reformer, counselor to popes and princes, defender of the Faith, and one of history’s great Marian theologians. When Bernard entered the monastery, around thirty relatives and friends followed him. His holiness soon attracted scores more, and monasteries connected to Clairvaux spread throughout Europe. But Bernard was far more than a contemplative monk. Princes sought his judgment, bishops sought his counsel, and popes listened to his advice. His Book of Consideration taught that genuine reform of the Church must begin with holiness, prayer, self-examination, and contemplation—especially among those entrusted with the highest offices. This sermon also examines Bernard’s defense of Pope Innocent II during a papal schism, his confrontation with Peter Abelard, his preaching of the Second Crusade, and his extraordinary devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Known as the Mellifluous Doctor and Marian Doctor, St. Bernard urged Christians facing temptation, suffering, fear, and despair to turn confidently toward Our Lady: Look to the star. Call upon Mary. May St. Bernard obtain for us fidelity to Christ and true devotion to His Blessed Mother. St. Bernard of Clairvaux, pray for us. 0:00 Feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux 0:39 Bernard’s Early Life & Holiness 1:03 The Cistercian Order in Crisis 1:27 Bernard Arrives With 30 Companions 1:53 Founding Clairvaux 2:25 The Severe Beginnings of the Abbey 2:42 Bernard Attracts 130 Monks 3:08 Monasteries Spread Across Europe 3:46 Bernard’s Reputation for Sanctity 4:04 Princes, Bishops & Popes Seek His Counsel 4:34 The Book of Consideration 4:50 Reform Must Begin With Holiness 5:30 The Danger of Forgetting God 5:46 Reform Must Begin at the Top 6:02 Bernard Confronts Corruption 7:09 Defending the Rights of the Church 7:27 The Papal Schism of 1130 7:57 Bernard Judges Between Rival Popes 8:13 Peter Abelard & Rationalism 9:20 St. Bernard & the Second Crusade 10:08 The Mellifluous & Marian Doctor 10:23 Mary, Star of the Sea 10:47 “Look at the Star, Call Upon Mary” 11:29 Mary in Fear, Sin & Despair 12:00 Walking in Our Lady’s Footsteps 12:30 The Legend of St. Bernard & Our Lady 12:55 Prayer for Mary’s Protection 13:03 Final Blessing For more please visit https://www.themarianfranciscans.org/ Please sign up at this link https://lifecrusade.org/🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 #StBernard #Catholic #BlessedVirginMary #MarianDevotion #CatholicSaints #CatholicTradition #CatholicHistory #OurLady #DoctorOfTheChurch #CatholicFaith #CatholicSermon #ChurchHistory

Topics

• Faith
• Parenting
• Blessing & Favor