Tag: Bernard
What the Lord has lost on my account
[God] had made only two noble creatures who were sharers in reason and capable of blessedness: angels and human beings. Yet on my account he has lost many of the angels and all of the human beings. Therefore, so that they may know that I love the Father, let those whom he seems somehow to… Read More ›
St. Bernard: “a sword has truly pierced your soul!”
In another famous Sermon on the Sunday in the Octave of the Assumption the Holy Abbot described with passionate words Mary’s intimate participation in the redeeming sacrifice of her Son. “O Blessed Mother”, he exclaimed, “a sword has truly pierced your soul!… So deeply has the violence of pain pierced your soul, that we may… Read More ›
Reading St. Bernard
This is a continuation of an interview with Fr. Michael Casey, OSCO January, 2010. Br Chris: Do you think that Saint Bernard is over emphasized amongst the other Cistercian Fathers? It seems that he has the pride of place in Cistercian monasteries, over and above our other Cistercian Fathers. Fr Michael Casey: Well, as I… Read More ›
Jesus is a physcian that heals
Ah! from how great bitterness of soul have you often delivered me, O Good Jesus, coming to me!… How often has prayer taken me on the brink of despair, and restored me to the state of soul of one exulting in joy and confident forgiveness. Those who are afflicted in this way, behold they know… Read More ›
The Greatness of God
Only by the power of the movement of my heart … did I perceive his presence; and I knew the power of his might because my faults were put to flight and my human yearnings brought into subjection. I have marveled at the depth of his wisdom when my secret faults have been revealed and… Read More ›
Our Guardian Angels
He has given his angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways. Let them thank the Lord for his mercy; his wonderful works are for the children of men. Let them give thanks and say among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them. O Lord, what is man that… Read More ›
The Word is near you…
‘The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.’ Believing is having found. The faithful know that Christ dwells in their hearts by faith. What could be nearer? Therefore seek him confidently, seek him faithfully. ‘The Lord is good to the soul who seeks him.’ Seek him in your prayers, follow him… Read More ›
Benedictine Bernardo Tolomei Declared Saint
From the Vatican: Bernardo Tolomei ,son of Mino Tolomei, was born in Siena on the 10th of May 1272. At his baptism he was given the name Giovanni. He was probably educated by the Dominicans at their College of San Domenico di Camporegio in Siena. He was knighted by Rodolfo I d’Absburgo (†1291). While studying… Read More ›
In Praise of the Virgin Mother
The whole world awaits Mary’s reply You have heard, O Virgin, that you will conceive and bear a son; you have heard that it will not be by man but by the Holy Spirit. The angel awaits an answer; it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too are waiting,… Read More ›