Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153, Abbot of Clairvaux

   Psalm 132: 7a, 9b                                      

 Let us go 

to God’s 

dwelling 

place, 

let your 

faithful 

people 

sing with 

joy. 

                                              St Bernard of Clairvaux, 

abbot of Clairvaux, a Cistercian monastery, which started in 1098 and which sought a stricter and more primitive form of the Benedictine tradition. Also called “The white monks.” Under his leadership, 60 abbeys were founded, all affiliated with Clarivaux.  Bernard peached “the love of God without measure” and  is credited with writing the Holy Week hymn “O sacred head sore wounded”  (If I were my cousin Joyce I could include the hymn right here but you'll have to go to You Tube…..) 

                            “Pray fro a deeper life of prayer, 

for grace to contemplate the life of Christ, for wis-

dom to discern the paths of truth, for vocations to 

the religious life, and for those who hold positions 

of  leadership and influence in the church.” (LBFC) 

            
           The picture is of night stairs at Fountains Abbey, a Cistercian monastery in North Yorkshire near Ripon Which the monks took up to the church. The Cistercians were started in 1098 as a stricter and more primitive form of  the Benedictines.