Saint Who?
Saints Who Exemplify Devotion
to the Christ Child
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
Abbot and Doctor († 1153) Feast: August 20
“Let your goodness, Lord, appear to us, that we, made in your image, may conform ourselves to it. In our own strength we cannot imitate your majesty, power, and wonder nor is it fitting for us to try. But your mercy reaches from the heavens through the clouds to the earth below.” It is said that Bernard, the “Troubadour of Mary,” had a dream as a young child of the infant Jesus in the manger at Bethlehem. Throughout his life, Bernard remained devoted to the Mother and Child. Intelligent and pious, he received an excellent education and entered the Cistercian Abbey of Cîteaux when he was twenty-two.
Bernard became a famous preacher, who taught beautifully about the mystery of the Incarnation. “You have come to us as a small child,” he wrote, “but you have brought us the greatest of all gifts, the gift of eternal love. Caress us with your tiny hands, embrace us with your tiny arms, and pierce our hearts with your soft, sweet cries.”
Like the infant Jesus, Bernard relied on Our Lady’s care. Once, possibly during an illness, he asked for her maternal assistance. Mary and the Infant Jesus appeared, and some of Mary’s breastmilk was bestowed on Bernard, bringing him spiritual consolation and physical healing. He died in 1153, and is known as the Marian Doctor.
Holy Mother of God, through the prayers of
Saint Bernard, may we imitate the Infant Jesus and rely completely on your maternal care.
