The whole spirit of medieval monasticism found expression
in St. Bernard, a Burgundian of noble birth. While still a young man he
resolved to leave the world and seek the repose of the monastic life. He
entered Citeaux, carrying with him thirty companions. Mothers are said to have
hid their sons from him, and wives their husbands, lest they should be
converted to monasticism by his persuasive words. After a few years at Citeaux
St. Bernard established the monastery of Clairvaux, over which he ruled as
abbot till his death. His ascetic life, piety, eloquence, and ability as an
executive soon brought him into prominence. People visited Clairvaux from far
and near to listen to his preaching and to receive his counsels. The monastery flourished
under his direction and became the parent of no less than sixty-five Cistercian
houses which were planted in the wilderness. St. Bernard's activities widened,
till he came to be the most influential man in western Christendom. It was St.
Bernard who acted as an adviser of the popes, at one time deciding between two
rival candidates for the Papacy, who combated most vigorously the heresies of
the day, and who by his fiery appeals set in motion one of the crusades.
The charm of his character is revealed to us in his sermons and letters, while
some of the Latin hymns commonly attributed to him are still sung in many
churches, both Roman Catholic and Protestant.
