St Bernard of Clairvaux and the Life of St Malachy of Armagh: A Tale of Friendship, Faith, and Reform

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) and St Malachy of Armagh (1094-1148) were two of the most influential figures in the Catholic Church during the 12th century. Their friendship and collaboration played a key role in the reform of the Church, the spread of Cistercian monasticism, and the promotion of the cult of St Malachy.

Bernard was born in Burgundy, France, to a noble family. He was educated at the Benedictine abbey of Citeaux and became a Cistercian monk in 1113. In 1115, he was elected abbot of Clairvaux, a new Cistercian monastery that would become one of the most important monasteries in Europe.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

by Bobbi Conner

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	459 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	319 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Malachy was born in Armagh, Ireland. He studied in Ireland and England before becoming a priest in 1122. In 1123, he was appointed abbot of Bangor, a Benedictine monastery in Northern Ireland.

Bernard and Malachy first met in 1140, when Malachy visited Clairvaux. They quickly became friends and collaborators. Bernard was impressed by Malachy's holiness and zeal for reform. Malachy was inspired by Bernard's monastic ideal and his commitment to the papacy.

Together, Bernard and Malachy worked to reform the Irish Church. They founded Cistercian monasteries in Ireland and encouraged the Irish bishops to adopt the reforms of the Second Lateran Council (1139). They also helped to promote the cult of St Malachy, who was canonized by Pope Clement III in 1190.

Bernard's Life of St Malachy is one of the most important sources for our knowledge of Malachy's life and work. Written shortly after Malachy's death, the Life is a hagiography, or saint's life. However, it is also a valuable historical document that provides insights into the life and times of two of the most important figures in the 12th-century Church.

The Life of St Malachy

Bernard's Life of St Malachy is divided into five books. The first book describes Malachy's early life and education. The second book recounts his election as abbot of Bangor and his work to reform the Irish Church. The third book narrates Malachy's journey to Rome in 1139 to receive the pallium, the symbol of an archbishop's authority. The fourth book describes Malachy's founding of the Cistercian abbey of Mellifont in 1142. The fifth book tells of Malachy's death and the miracles that occurred at his tomb.

Bernard's Life of St Malachy is a fascinating and informative read. It provides a vivid portrait of a remarkable saint who played a key role in the reform of the Irish Church and the spread of Cistercian monasticism. It is also a valuable historical document that offers insights into the life and times of two of the most important figures in the 12th-century Church.

The Friendship of St Bernard and St Malachy

The friendship between St Bernard and St Malachy was one of the most important relationships in the 12th-century Church. It was a friendship based on mutual respect, admiration, and a shared commitment to the reform of the Church.

Bernard had a profound influence on Malachy. He encouraged Malachy to adopt the Cistercian ideal and to embrace the reforms of the Second Lateran Council. He also helped to promote the cult of St Malachy after his death.

Malachy also had a significant influence on Bernard. He introduced Bernard to Irish culture and spirituality. He also helped to spread the Cistercian order in Ireland and Scotland.

The friendship between St Bernard and St Malachy is a testament to the power of friendship and collaboration. It is a story of two saints who worked together to reform the Church and spread the Christian faith.

The Legacy of St Bernard and St Malachy

St Bernard and St Malachy were two of the most important figures in the 12th-century Church. Their friendship and collaboration played a key role in the reform of the Church, the spread of Cistercian monasticism, and the promotion of the cult of St Malachy.

Bernard's Life of St Malachy is a valuable historical document that offers insights into the life and times of two of the most important figures in the 12th-century Church. It is also a fascinating and inspiring account of the friendship between two saints who worked together to reform the Church and spread the Christian faith.

The legacy of St Bernard and St Malachy continues to inspire Christians today. They are models of friendship, faith, and reform. Their work continues to inspire us to work for the renewal of the Church and the spread of the Gospel.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

by Bobbi Conner

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	459 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	319 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE