St. Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153
"Everyone agrees that St. Bernard was the most important man of his age, and even one of the greatest churchmen in history. He is included among the "Fathers," whose writings are the most precious Christian heritage, after the inspired writings of Scripture. Many works have been written about the great twelfth-century monk. Why, then, another book? It will certainly add nothing to such scholarly works. It does not even address itself to historical experts, but to the general reading public who can find spiritual food and inspiration in the lives of the saints. Our purpose is to offer such readers an intimate picture of St. Bernard. This means that we shall pass rapidly over his external activities, on what might be called his public or political life. It is impossible to write about him without saying that he had a part, and sometimes the leading role, in all the important events of his century. But this little book will not seek to narrate the great events in which he was involved. Our interest will focus especially on what went on inside of him, within his soul, in his cloistered and hidden life, his life of prayer and penance, his life of union with God and with Jesus Christ, in a word, in his religious and mystical life. In St. Bernard we shall find a saint who is really unique in the light and love he brought to his own time and to all times as he followed in the footsteps of his Jesus (from the Introduction)." - back cover
Print Book, English, ©1977
St. Paul Editions, Boston, ©1977