Part I: Introducing St. Bernard of ClairvauxSt. Bernard of Clairvaux's life was a mix of monastic peace and medieval drama. His teachings on love are like a medieval guide to a happy heart. He emphasizes loving God, neighbors, and oneself, with a sprinkle of sacrificial love and a dash of spiritual growth.
The longer I am Orthodox, the more I've come to conclude that many of us simply don't love the West in either its Christian or secular forms. We might say we "love" the West but we say this without the kind of affection and joy we see in a happily married couple or a loving family. Spouses delight in each other even as parents delight in their children. Absence this kind of response, can we truthfully say we love and appreciate the West?
Thank you for this fine reflection, Father. I had the privilege of being a part of a Lay Cistercian order before becoming Eastern Orthodox. My debts to the Benedictines and the Cistercians are incalculable. It is because of them, I chose Benedict as my patron Saint when coming into the Orthodox Church - or perhaps He chose me a long time ago? 😀
New Melleray Abbey in Peosta, IA ( outside of Dubuque). Not far from you. From 2010 to 2012.
I learned so much from them. I have said that their lay organization is great for any serious Roman Catholic or Protestant lay person who wants to maintain their sanity. 😀 The Cistercians, in general, come as close to Orthodoxy as any group I have seen.
One of my professors at Duquesne (Fr. Richard Byrne) was the former novice at New Melleray. Because of poor health, he lived ex clausurā (outside the cloister) while remaining a Trappist.
As an Orthodox myself, I'll never cease to love and appreciate St. Bernard.
The longer I am Orthodox, the more I've come to conclude that many of us simply don't love the West in either its Christian or secular forms. We might say we "love" the West but we say this without the kind of affection and joy we see in a happily married couple or a loving family. Spouses delight in each other even as parents delight in their children. Absence this kind of response, can we truthfully say we love and appreciate the West?
Thank you for this fine reflection, Father. I had the privilege of being a part of a Lay Cistercian order before becoming Eastern Orthodox. My debts to the Benedictines and the Cistercians are incalculable. It is because of them, I chose Benedict as my patron Saint when coming into the Orthodox Church - or perhaps He chose me a long time ago? 😀
Bravo! How exciting! With whom were you a lay Cistercian? As for your name, "Benedict" is a fine choice and a demanding one to live up to!
New Melleray Abbey in Peosta, IA ( outside of Dubuque). Not far from you. From 2010 to 2012.
I learned so much from them. I have said that their lay organization is great for any serious Roman Catholic or Protestant lay person who wants to maintain their sanity. 😀 The Cistercians, in general, come as close to Orthodoxy as any group I have seen.
https://aicassociates.org
One of my professors at Duquesne (Fr. Richard Byrne) was the former novice at New Melleray. Because of poor health, he lived ex clausurā (outside the cloister) while remaining a Trappist.
What is interesting is that there are Orthodox monasteries that are starting lay organizations too here in North America: https://christminster.org/About-the-Order.php
Catholic Saints = All Satanic* Incest Bastards** leading the masses into eternal fire - for 2000+ years.
* John 8: 41-47 & 15: 21-24; Matthew 12: 34 & 27: 25
** Leviticus 18: 6. 20. 22. 29 (Satan & Devil = Synonyms)
Popes, the Catholic and other (satanic) churches? https://mile7bar.substack.com/p/pope-and-the-catholic-church
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and Saint Benedict of Nursia, pray for us.... 🔔 🕯️📿 🌍 ⛪ ☦️
.......Christ is RISEN! 🪨✨🕊️