Saint Bernard had no aspirations beyond a simple monastic life; however, he became a superstar of the twelfth-century Church. At twenty-two, Bernard joined an austere order of Benedictines called the Cistercians. Within three years, he was asked to start a monastery near his hometown of Clairvaux in northeastern France. Though he could be irritable and rude, he was also known for his kindness and care, and people went out of their way to be touched by his healing hands. Despite the fact that he rubbed shoulders with popes and princes, Saint Bernard maintained the simple lifestyle of a monk. The Church celebrates Saint Bernard on August 20.
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