St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Bernard of Clairvaux was a French Cistercian monk and Doctor of the Church who became the most influential churchman of the twelfth century. He founded the monastery of Clairvaux and was instrumental in the expansion of the Cistercian order to over 160 monasteries. The Church celebrates St. Bernard of Clairvaux's feast on 08-20.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. Bernard of Clairvaux as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. Bernard of Clairvaux for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Bernard of Clairvaux was a French Cistercian monk and Doctor of the Church who became the most influential churchman of the twelfth century. He founded the monastery of Clairvaux and was instrumental in the expansion of the Cistercian order to over 160 monasteries. His sermons and writings, especially on the Song of Songs, are masterworks of mystical theology.
The vocation of St. Bernard of Clairvaux reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and St. Bernard of Clairvaux's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux is honored as the patron saint of Beekeepers, candle makers, Burgundy, Gibraltar. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Beekeepers have traditionally invoked St. Bernard of Clairvaux's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. Bernard of Clairvaux is grounded in the specific details of Clairvaux's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. Bernard of Clairvaux in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. Bernard of Clairvaux and seek Clairvaux's intercession:
On the Feast Day (08-20): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Clairvaux's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Clairvaux's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. Bernard of Clairvaux in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Clairvaux, pray for us," draws Clairvaux's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. Bernard of Clairvaux can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to St. Bernard of Clairvaux
O glorious St. Bernard of Clairvaux, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us St. Bernard of Clairvaux as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Clairvaux's memory imitate Clairvaux's virtues and one day share Clairvaux's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. Bernard of Clairvaux has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with St. Bernard of Clairvaux in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Clairvaux's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Clairvaux's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. Bernard of Clairvaux is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. Bernard of Clairvaux: He was so persuasive that mothers reportedly hid their sons when he came to preach, fearing they would join the monastery.
When praying before an image of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.