St. Bernard of Clairvaux (Feast Day August 20)

1090 – August 20, 1153

At the age of 20, Bernard left his home to join the monastic community of Citeaux. His five brothers, two uncles, and some 30 young friends followed him into the monastery. Within four years, a dying community had recovered enough vitality to establish a new house in the nearby valley of Wormwoods, with Bernard as abbot. The valley was soon renamed Clairvaux, the valley of light. Bernard developed a rich theology of sacred space and music, writing extensively on both. He was instrumental in re-emphasizing the importance of Lectio Divina and contemplation on Scripture within his order.

His ability as an arbitrator and counselor became widely known. He was increasingly lured away from the monastery to settle long-standing disputes. Bernard intervened in a full-blown schism and settled it in favor of the Roman pontiff against the antipope. The Holy See prevailed on Bernard to preach the Second Crusade throughout Europe. His eloquence was so overwhelming that a great army was assembled, and the crusade's success seemed assured; however, the project ended as a complete military and moral disaster. Bernard felt responsible for the outcome of the crusade. This heavy burden possibly hastened his death, which came on August 20, 1153. In 1830, Pope Pius VIII bestowed upon Bernard the title "Doctor of the Church."

·Why is it true that when you really want or need something, it matters how you ask for it?

·   Share a time when you prayed about something you really wanted/needed.

·      Why does Jesus help the woman in today’s Gospel?

·      St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote about sacred music. What is your favorite Christian song or hymn?

Make Crafts

·      Turn a wall into a prayer wall with sticky notes. Have each family member write their prayer intentions on sticky notes and put them on the wall.

·      Make the first day of school something to look forward to by crafting a paper countdown chain. Each day, tear one link off the chain and ask the kids to name something they’re looking forward to about the school year.

·      Use egg cartons to make creative crafts. Search the Internet for ideas and inspiration.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux Dijon Chicken

St. Bernard of Clairvaux was born in Fontaines-les-Dijon, France in 1090. Dijon is the capital of the Burgundy region in France, which is world famous for its Burgundy wine and mustard. It became a recognized center for mustard making by the 13th century. It seems a fitting feast day meal for this recipe.

½ cup butter

2 cloves garlic

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

¾ cup dry breadcrumbs

½ cup grated parmesan cheese (fresh or jarred)

2-3 Tbsp dried parsley flakes

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in strips

Heat oven to 375 F. Melt butter in small saucepan with minced garlic. After garlic has sautéed, add mustard and mix. Let cool and whisk mixture to combine until creamy. Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and parsley in shallow bowl or pan. Dip chicken into butter/mustard mixture, then dip in bread crumb mixture to coat both sides. Place in glass 9x13 pan. Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes, until juice of chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut.

From: https://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2014/08/st-bernard-of-clairvaux-dijon-chicken.html

The Memorare Prayer

St. Bernard of Clairvaux is the author of this Marian prayer.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

The Canaanite woman’s plea to Jesus was, “Have pity (or mercy) on me, Lord.” During Mass, we sing or say a prayer with similar words. Which prayer is it?

Mercy is the disposition to be kind and forgiving. Be intentional about extending mercy to at least one person this week.

The cities of Tyre and Sidon are in present day Lebanon.