St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Filed Under: Feasts Holy Days and Seasons

Friday, August 20, 2021

St. Bernard of Clairvaux was a 12th century monk and theologian who was known for his ability to arbitrate disputes. He counseled kings and popes, yet valued the time he spent in prayer and contemplation. He wrote much on the Blessed Virgin Mary and is known for emphasizing the importance of Lectio Divina.

St. Bernard is the patron saint of beekeepers and candlemakers. His feast day is August 20.

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina means "divine reading". It is a prayer practice which trusts that God speaks to us through scripture. This is a practice I started doing regularly a few years ago.

More Lessons in Trees than in Books

Believe me, you will find more lessons in the woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you what you cannot learn from masters. - St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

St. Angela Merici is the founder of the Ursuline order of religious sisters. She is the patron saint of the sick, the disabled, and all those grieving the loss of parents. Her feast day is January 27.

St. Thomas Aquinas is a 13th century saint and a Doctor of the Church. St. Thomas was influenced by the philosopher Aristotle and was known to for his logical and reasoned approach to theology.

The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B invite us to recognize Jesus and grant him authority in our lives. So possible themes for this Sunday are conversion and magesterium. Here are some ideas.

St. John Bosco was a priest and educator. His feast day is January 31. He is the patron saint of editors, school children, publishers, young people, juvenile delinquents, and magicians.

The readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord speak of purification and offering. What am I willing to present to God as an offering? What parts of my life do I need to purify? Where am I in need of more holiness? Can I offer some aspect of my own life as the gifts are brought up during the offertory?

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply