Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Bernard, St.

BERNARD, ST., Abbot of Clairvaux, was born of a noble family in Burgundy, in 1091. At the age of 23 he entered the recently founded monastery of Citeaux, accompanied by his brothers and 20 of his companions. His ability and piety led to his being chosen Abbot, an office he filled till his death. In 1128 he prepared the statutes for the Order of Knights Templar. Popes and princes desired his support, and submitted their differences to his arbitration. By his influence Innocent II. was recognized as lawful Pope; he had a public debate with Abelard on some doctrines of his philosophy, and procured his condemnation; courageously opposed the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin; was founder of 160 monasteries; and was the chief promoter of the second crusade. He preached the crusade in Germany, persuaded the Emperor Conrad to join it, and refused the command which was offered him. His prediction of success was falsified. St. Bernard was the vehement adversary of Arnold of Brescia, and procured his banishment from Rome and from Zurich. He steadily refused the offers of several archbishoprics and other dignities, preferring to remain abbot only. His character and his writings have earned him the title of "Last of the Fathers." The power, tenderness, and simplicity of his sermons and other works have secured the admiration of Protestants and Catholics alike. St. Bernard died at Clairvaux in 1153, and was canonized in 1174.