Bernard was born into a noble family at Fontaines, near Dijon France, in 1090. After a religious upbringing he joined the Cistercians in 1111 and later was chosen abbot of the monastery of Clairvaux. There he directed his companions in the practice of virtue by his own good example. He became known as a talented theologian, preacher and controversialist. He enjoyed a correspondence with monarchs and popes. He managed to combine a life of action with one of mystical contemplation, as revealed in his writings. He died in 1153. Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1830, he is known as “the last of the fathers.” – CTS New Daily Roman Missal 2012, p 2927; Christian Prayer 1990, p 1205