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On November 10, 1953, the Vatican City honored the eighth centenary of the death of St. Bernard by the release of a set of two stamps. Bernard entered this earthly world in 1090, at the castle of Fontaines, near Dijon, Burgundy. His parents saw great undertakings for this young lad blessed with great intellect and grace. Bernard shattered their dreams forever when he renounced the royal splendor and joined the Monks of Citereaux. Shortly after entering the order he was made Abbot of the fourth house at Clairvaux, where his brothers joined him as monks. Bernard was very harsh with himself and he expected his followers to be equally strict with themselves. Many were disheartened at his severity. He soon realized his errors and eased his rule thereby boosting the morale of the monks. In spite of his desire to remain away from the world at large, Bernard's fame spread rapidly. Many churches had requested him as their Bishop, but through the aid of Pope Eugenius III, he escaped the fulfillment of the requests. Though Papal intervention had saved him from the Bishopric, his monastery constantly was invaded by the poor and weak seeking his protection, and bishops and kings seeking his advice. In time Pope Eugenius charged him with preaching a Crusade in France and Germany. Through his efforts two large and splendid armies were formed and dispatched to the Holy Land where they defeated the infidels. Bernard's fame was not limited to founding monasteries and preaching the crusade. His other achievements were just as amazing; assisting at ecumenical and other councils, opposing and refuting Abelard, writing treatises and sermons, and even entering politics to preserve the peace of the Church. It has been said that "he carried the twelfth century on his shoulders and he did not do it without suffering." Like all humans, Bernard was not destined to remain on earth forever, and on August 21, 1253, he closed his eyes for the last time and went to his final reward. His works and memory were not forgotten. Through his great teachings and writings he earned for himself the titles of the last of the Fathers and a Doctor of the Holy Church. Bernard was canonized in 1274, and his relics preserved at Clairvaux and Troyes. This was not the end of the honors bestowed upon this great saint, August 20th of each year has been set aside by the Catholic Church as his feast day. |
| (National Philatelic Museum, Volume VII, Number 1, 1954, pages 61-107) We are grateful to the Cardinal Spellman Philatelic Museum for allowing the Vatican Philatelic Society to use the copyrighted text on our website. |
