St. Bernard of Montjoux

St. Bernard of Montjoux Short Biography

Saint Bernard of Montjoux was a medieval monk, theologian, and diplomat who lived in the 11th and 12th centuries. He was born in the Italian Alps, and he was a member of the Order of Saint Benedict.

Bernard was known for his intelligence and his wisdom, and he was highly respected by the leaders of his time. He was a skilled diplomat, and he played a key role in negotiations between the Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Italy.

In addition to his work as a diplomat, Bernard was also a prolific writer and theologian. He wrote many treatises and articles on a wide range of subjects, including theology, philosophy, and ethics. His works were widely read and highly influential, and they helped to shape the intellectual climate of his time.

Despite his many accomplishments, Bernard was also deeply humble and devout. He was a man of deep faith, and he dedicated his life to serving God and helping others. In recognition of his many virtues, he was later canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.

Today, St. Bernard of Montjoux is remembered as a great thinker, a wise counselor, and a man of deep faith. His legacy lives on, and he continues to be an inspiration to people of all walks of life.

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Detailed Biography of St. Bernard of Montjoux: The Patron Saint of Mountaineers

St. Bernard of Montjoux, also known as St. Bernard of Menthon or St. Bernard of Aosta, was a 11th-century canon regular and founder of the Great St Bernard Hospice, a refuge for pilgrims and travelers crossing the Alps between Italy and Switzerland. He is the patron saint of mountaineers, skiing, snowboarding, backpacking and the Alps. He also gave his name to the Saint Bernard breed of dog, originally bred for the cold environment of the hospice.

Early Life and Education

St. Bernard was born around 1020 in the Château de Menthon, near Annecy, in the County of Savoy, a part of the Kingdom of Burgundy. He was descended from a rich and noble family and received a thorough education in Paris. He decided to devote himself to the service of the Church and refused an honorable marriage proposed by his father. According to legend, he had to sneak out of the castle on the night before an arranged wedding, and was miraculously caught by angels when he jumped from his window.

He placed himself under the direction of Peter, the Archdeacon of Aosta, under whose guidance he rapidly progressed in learning and virtue. He was ordained a priest and worked as a missionary in the mountain villages. Later, he was appointed to succeed his mentor as archdeacon of the cathedral, giving him charge of the government of the diocese, directly under the bishop.

Ministry and Miracles

For 42 years, he continued to preach the Gospel to these people and even into many cantons of Lombardy, effecting numerous conversions and working many miracles. He was known for his eloquence, charity, zeal and holiness. He also reconciled many feuds and disputes among the nobles and peasants.

The last act of St. Bernard’s life was the reconciliation of two noblemen whose strife threatened a fatal outcome. He died in June 1081 in Novara and was interred in the monastery of St. Lawrence.

St Bernard’s Passes and Hospice

Since ancient times there has been a path across the Pennine Alps leading from the Aosta Valley to the Swiss canton of Valais. The traditional route of this pass is covered with perpetual snow and drifts, and is extremely dangerous, especially in the springtime on account of avalanches. It was often used by French and German pilgrims on their way to Rome.

In his office as archdeacon, St. Bernard had the charge of caring for the poor and travelers. For their convenience and protection, he founded a canonry and hostel at the highest point of the pass, 8,000 feet above sea-level, in 1050, at the site which has come to bear his name: The Great St Bernard Pass. He also founded another hospice at a lower altitude on another pass that connects Italy with Switzerland: The Little St Bernard Pass.

The hospices were staffed by canons regular who followed St. Augustine’s rule and dedicated themselves to hospitality and charity. They also rescued travelers who were lost or buried in snowstorms with the help of dogs trained to find them. These dogs became known as Saint Bernards.

Canonization and Legacy

St. Bernard was venerated as a saint soon after his death by popular acclaim. He was officially canonized by Pope Innocent XI in 1681. His feast day is May 28 in most calendars, but June 15 in Switzerland.

St. Bernard is regarded as one of the most illustrious saints of Savoy and one of the greatest benefactors of humanity in history. His hospices have served millions of travelers for nearly a thousand years and still operate today under his name and patronage.

Prayers to St. Bernard of Montjoux

Prayer of Intercession to St. Bernard of Montjoux

Dear St. Bernard, you who were a man of deep faith and great intelligence, I ask for your intercession as I seek to grow in my own faith and understanding. Please help me to understand the mysteries of the faith more deeply, and to live a life that is guided by God’s love and wisdom.

Prayer to St. Bernard of Montjoux for Diplomats

O St. Bernard, you who were a great diplomat and a skilled negotiator, I ask for your help as I seek to navigate the challenges and conflicts of my own life. Please give me the wisdom and the courage to find fair and just solutions to the problems that confront me.

Prayer to St. Bernard of Montjoux

Dear St. Bernard, you who were a man of great humility and service, I ask for your help as I seek to follow in your footsteps. Please inspire me to be a person of compassion and selflessness, and to use my gifts and talents to help others. Amen.

Popular Writings of St. Bernard of Montjoux

Saint Bernard of Montjoux was a prolific writer and theologian, and he is known for many works on a wide range of subjects. Some of his most popular writings include:

“On Loving God” – This treatise is a classic of Christian theology and devotion, and it has been widely read and admired for centuries. In it, Bernard reflects on the nature of God’s love and the way that it transforms the lives of those who experience it.
“On the Song of Songs” – This work is a commentary on the Old Testament book of the Song of Songs, and it is considered one of Bernard’s most important writings. In it, he explores the spiritual and allegorical meanings of the text, and he reflects on the ways in which it points to the love of God and the Church.
“Apology for the Apologists” – In this work, Bernard defends the use of reason and argument in the defense of the faith, and he makes the case for the importance of apologetics.
“Letters” – Bernard wrote many letters during his lifetime, and they provide a valuable insight into his thoughts and his concerns. His letters cover a wide range of topics, and they are widely read and studied by scholars and theologians.

Are St. Bernard dogs named after St. Bernard of Montjoux?

St. Bernard dogs are named after Saint Bernard of Montjoux, who lived in the Italian Alps in the 11th and 12th centuries. According to tradition, the breed was developed by the monks of the Hospice of St. Bernard, a hospice located in the Swiss Alps near the Great St. Bernard Pass. The hospice was named after St. Bernard of Montjoux, and the dogs that the monks bred and trained to assist them in their work became known as St. Bernard dogs.

The St. Bernard breed is known for its size, strength, and intelligence, and it has a long history of being used as a rescue and working dog in the Alps. The breed is also known for its gentle and loyal nature, and it makes a great companion for families and individuals. Despite their size, St. Bernard dogs are generally calm and good-natured, and they are known for their ability to form strong bonds with their human caregivers.

What do the Pope’s Say about St. Bernard?

St. Bernard of Montjoux was a highly respected and influential figure in the Middle Ages, and he was held in high regard by many popes. Here are a few examples of what some popes have said about St. Bernard:

Pope Eugene III said that St. Bernard “was a man of such great learning and holiness that he can be numbered among the greatest doctors of the Church.”
Pope Pius XII described St. Bernard as “a towering figure in the history of the Church, a man of great learning and holiness, and a powerful and eloquent advocate for the faith.”
Pope Benedict XVI said that St. Bernard was “a man of great spiritual depth and intellectual acuity, who exercised a powerful influence on the Church of his time, and whose writings continue to speak to us today.”

These are just a few examples of the high regard in which St. Bernard has been held by popes throughout the centuries. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest saints and theologians in the history of the Church.

Saints Similar to St. Bernard of Montjoux

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Nicholas. St. Bernard of Montjoux and St. Nicholas were both associated with charitable acts and helping those in need. St. Bernard of Montjoux is known for his care of travelers and the founding of hospices. St. Nicholas, the historical figure behind Santa Claus, is known for his generosity and care for children. Next up: Biography of St. Bibiana

Also check out our handmade St. Bernard of Montjoux Medal and St. Bernard of Montjoux Rosary and St. Bernard of Montjoux Rosary Bracelet.

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