Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard was born a long time ago in a place called the Kingdom of Burgundy in France. He was born in the year 1090 into a noble family. His family was very rich, and they had a big house. When he was a young boy, Bernard’s parents sent him to study at a school. He was very clever and did well in his studies. However, Bernard was not happy living in a rich and comfortable life. He felt that something was missing, and he wanted to serve God and help other people.

At that time, many people in the world were living in very difficult conditions. There was a lot of suffering, and many people were poor and sick. In the Kingdom of Burgundy, there was a place called the Abbey of Citeaux. It was a place where monks lived. These monks lived simple lives, praying and working to serve God. They also helped the poor and took care of the sick. Their lives were based on hard work, prayer, and humility. The monks believed that this was the best way to live and serve God. Bernard heard about these monks, and he felt drawn to their way of life. He decided to leave his rich family and join the monks in the Abbey of Citeaux.

When Bernard told his family that he wanted to become a monk, they were very surprised. They wanted him to stay with them and enjoy the comforts of life. But Bernard felt that God was calling him to do something greater. He joined the Abbey of Citeaux, and he became a monk. Bernard worked hard and prayed every day. He lived a simple life, and he was very happy. He was known for his deep love of God and for his kindness to others. He was also very smart, and the other monks looked up to him.

One day, Bernard was asked to help start a new monastery in a place called Clairvaux. The monks wanted Bernard to be the leader of the new monastery. He agreed to help, and soon he moved to Clairvaux with a few other monks. Bernard worked hard to build the new monastery, and many people came to see the wonderful work being done. The new monastery became very famous, and many people wanted to join Bernard and the monks in their simple, humble life. Bernard welcomed them all, teaching them how to live a life of prayer and service to God.

As Bernard’s monastery grew, he became a very important person. He was known for his wisdom and holiness. Many people came to him for advice, and even kings and rulers asked for his help. Bernard gave advice to kings, queens, and bishops, and he worked hard to spread the message of love and peace. He taught people that the most important thing in life was to love God and love others.

Bernard also did a lot of good work for the church. He helped the church to become stronger, and he worked hard to bring people together. He believed that the church should be a place of peace, love, and kindness. He worked to make sure that the church was helping the poor and the sick. Bernard also helped to spread Christianity to other parts of the world.

One of Bernard’s greatest achievements was his work to help the people of Europe. At the time, there were many wars, and people were fighting. Bernard believed that peace was very important, and he worked hard to bring people together. He spoke to kings and leaders, encouraging them to stop fighting and make peace. Bernard’s efforts helped to bring peace to many places.

Saint Bernard also had a special love for the poor. He believed that helping the poor was one of the most important things a person could do. He worked hard to provide for the poor and sick, and he encouraged others to do the same. Bernard also helped the sick by providing them with food, medicine, and care. He knew that loving and helping others was the best way to serve God.

Later in his life, Bernard became very ill. He was very tired from all the work he had done. Even though he was sick, he continued to pray and help others. He never gave up on his mission to serve God and love others. Bernard passed away in the year 1153 at the age of 63. Even after his death, his work continued. His teachings and the work of his monastery inspired many people, and he became known as a saint. Saint Bernard is remembered for his kindness, his love for God, and his work to help others.

Reflection:

1. The Power of Serving Others
Saint Bernard’s life teaches us that true happiness comes from serving others. Even though Bernard had the option of living a rich and comfortable life, he chose to live a simple life focused on helping those in need. We should also remember that helping others is one of the most important ways to live a meaningful life.

2. The Importance of Prayer and Work
Saint Bernard’s life reminds us that a balance between prayer and work is important. He spent many hours praying and serving God, but he also worked hard to build a community and help others. This balance is key to living a life of purpose and fulfillment.

3. Courage to Follow God’s Calling
Saint Bernard had the courage to follow God’s calling, even when it meant leaving behind his family and a comfortable life. We can learn from his example to have the courage to follow our own calling, even when it seems difficult. God has a plan for each of us, and we should trust Him.

4. The Lasting Impact of Kindness and Faith
Saint Bernard’s life shows us the lasting impact of kindness, faith, and service. His work continues to inspire people today, and his message of love and peace is still relevant. We can make a difference in the world by showing kindness, serving others, and living with faith in God.

Prayer

Dear God,
Thank You for the life of Saint Bernard and his example of kindness, service, and faith. Help us to follow his example by serving others with love and compassion. Teach us to balance prayer and work in our lives and to trust in Your calling. May we always remember that the most important thing is to love You and love others. Please help us to be brave and strong in following Your path, just as Saint Bernard was. We ask this in Your name. Amen.