St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) was a towering figure of the twelfth century: Cistercian abbot, mystic, preacher of the Second Crusade, Doctor of the Church, and one of the most influential voices of medieval Christendom.
Known as the “Mellifluous Doctor” for the sweetness of his teaching, he reformed monastic life and guided countless souls toward deeper devotion to Christ.
As co-founder of the Knights Templar, his commitment is profound and enduring.
At the Council of Troyes in 1129, S... moreSt. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) was a towering figure of the twelfth century: Cistercian abbot, mystic, preacher of the Second Crusade, Doctor of the Church, and one of the most influential voices of medieval Christendom.
Known as the “Mellifluous Doctor” for the sweetness of his teaching, he reformed monastic life and guided countless souls toward deeper devotion to Christ.
As co-founder of the Knights Templar, his commitment is profound and enduring.
At the Council of Troyes in 1129, St. Bernard played a decisive role in securing ecclesiastical recognition for our Order.
He helped shape the Latin Rule that governed Templar life and, most famously, composed the powerful treatise De Laude Novae Militiae (“In Praise of the New Knighthood”).
In this work he defended and exalted the dual vocation of the Templar - both monk and warrior - declaring that the knight who fights for Christ does not fear death, for to die in His service is to live eternally.
Through Bernard’s advocacy, the fledgling Order gained the spiritual legitimacy and widespread support that allowed it to flourish across Christendom
