> St. Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church St. Bernard was born of noble parentage in Burgundy, France, in the castle of Fontaines near Dijon. Under the care of his pious parents he was sent at an early age to a college at Chatillon, where he was conspicuous for his remarkable piety and spirit of recollection. At the same place he entered upon the studies of theology and Holy Scripture. After the death of his mother, fearing the snares and temptations of the world, he resolved to embrace the newly established and very austere institute of the Cistercian Order, of which he was destined to become the greatest ornament. He also persuaded his brothers and several of his friends to follow his example. In 1113, St. Bernard, with thirty young noblemen, presented himself to the holy Abbot, St. Stephen, at Citeaux. Continue reading: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=559 > *[Catholic Online](https://www.catholic.org/) needs your help. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations from people like you. Please, consider [making a donation.](https://ycvf.org/products/donate%20Online%20Ads%20Humbly_primary) Just $5.00, the price of a cup of coffee, can help ensure Catholic Online School continues to thrive.* > *[Catholic Online](https://www.catholic.org/) (a 501(c)(3) corporation) is a Project of [Your Catholic Voice Foundation](https://ycvf.org/), a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.*