Bernard of Clairvaux
Feast: August 20
(gouache painting)
(CC-BY)
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was a French Cistercian monk and Doctor of the Church who lived from 1090 to 1153. He founded the monastery of Clairvaux and was one of the most influential figures of the 12th century, preaching the Second Crusade and advising popes and kings. Known as the “Honey-Tongued Doctor” for his eloquent writings on the love of God.
Patron of:
- Beekeepers
- Candle Makers
- Cistercians
- Gibraltar
Memorare
Memoráre, o piíssima Virgo María,
non esse audítum a saéculo,
quemquam ad tua curréntem praesídia,
tua implorántem auxília,
tua peténtem suffrágia,
esse derelíctum.
Ego tali animátus confidéntia,
ad te, Virgo Vírginum, Mater, curro,
ad te vénio, coram te gemens peccátor assísto.
Noli, Mater Verbi, verba mea despícere;
sed áudi propítia et exáudi.
Amen.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to your protection,
implored your help,
or sought your intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions;
but in your mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
— Attributed to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 12th century