Bernard of Clairvaux-Background

Bernard was born of nobility in Burgundy, France. His father was a knight known for his honor, justice, and bravery. He died while participating in a crusade. Bernard’s mother, also of high birth, has been described as a model of devotion and charity. Bernard was the third of six brothers and had one sister.

Early in their lives, the children were consecrated to the Lord by their mother. She took a direct part in their early education, particularly that of Bernard. However, she died while he was still a boy.

Later, Bernard studied at the University of Paris. Following this, at twenty-two years of age, he was faced with the decision of whether to enter military service, civil service, or the monastic life. Discounting the other choices, Bernard decided to become a monk.

Early in their lives, the children were consecrated to the Lord by their mother

He selected the monastery at Citeaux, which seemed to him to be the poorest, the most inaccessible, and the most austere. He did not enter the monastery alone; he had attracted thirty young noblemen of Burgundy who followed his lead. These included two of his brothers and his uncle. Together they resolved to renounce the so-called secular life for the rigorous discipline of the Citeaux monastery.