Feast of San Bernardo di Chiaravalle

San Bernardo di Chiaravalle, ora pro nobis

August 20th is the Feast of San Bernardo di Chiaravalle (1090-1153), abbot, reformer, mystic, wonderworker and Doctor of the Church. Patron Saint of the Cistercian Order, he is also the patron of candlemakers and beekeepers. Founder of the Clairvaux Abbey, he wrote the Rule of the Knights Templar and In Praise of the New Knighthood, a treatise on the Order and the holy places of Jerusalem. He is also credited with writing the Memorare, a powerful prayer asking for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In celebration, we're posting a Prayer to St. Bernard of Clairvaux. The accompanying photo was taken in the courtyard of St. Bernard Church in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn. Evviva San Bernardo di Chiaravalle!

Prayer to St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Heavenly Father, St. Bernard was filled with zeal for Your house and was a radiant light in Your Church. By his prayers may we be filled with his spirit of zeal and walk always as children of light. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.