Born in France at the end of the 11th century, he was the third of seven children and his parents were nobles. As he grew up, Bernard developed a love for literature, and The Blessed Mother. 

In his early 20s, he entered the monastery but not alone. Five brothers, two uncles, and a number of his friends soon joined him, turning a community that had been about to die into one expanding so rapidly that they needed a new house which he helped found in Clairvaux. 

Bernard was a gifted speaker, and an arbiter and, on many occasions, was called upon to settle disputes between princes, kings, and The Church. 

But in 1130 a schism broke out after the election of Pope Innocent II between Innocent and Anacletus II. Initially, Anacletus prevailed and drove Innocent into exile in France. 

But King Louis VI convened a national council of Bishops and, led by Bernard, they voted Innocent II as the true Pope. 

Among his extensive writings was his work on loving God which focuses on humility as the key. 

Bernard was asked to preach to the second Crusade which led to his travel all across Europe as he helped assemble a huge army. 

Though he was quite a public figure and a prolific writer, Bernard was also devoted to hours of prayer and contemplation about Jesus and His Blessed Mother, Mary. 

He died in Clairvaux on this day in 1153.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux, please pray for us.