Tag Archives: Cistercian

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Bl. Eugene III, Feast Day July 8




Bl. Eugene III Public Domain Image
Bl. Eugene III

The feast day of Bl. Eugene III is celebrated on July 8. He served as the Bishop of Rome from 1145-1153. He was the first Cistercian Pope. Little is know about his early life. Bl. Eugene was ordained a priest by Pope Innocent II. St. Bernard of Clairvaux led him into the Cistercian Order in 1138. He became the abbot of the monastery of S. Anastasio aale Tre Fontance outside of Rome.

The election of Bl. Eugene III as the Bishop of Rome took place in 1145. Because of the turmoil of the times which was during the Crusades Bl. Eugene was unable to live in Rome. He lived in Viterbo, Siena, and France. He actively reformed the church. Three synods were held while he was Pope; Paris (1149), Tier (1147-1148) and Rheims (1148) The synods focused on reforming the clerical life.

Bl. Eugene III died on July 8, 1153 in Tivoli, Italy. He was recognized as a pious and meek man. Pope Pius X beatified him in 1872.

 

Time is a treasure of inestimable value,

because in every moment of time we may gain

an increase of grace and eternal glory.

Quote of St. Alphonsus Liguori; Feast day August 1

 

July is the Month of the Most Precious Blood

Save

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Stephen Harding, Feast Day April 17




St. Stephen Harding
St. Stephen Harding

The feast day of St. Stephen Harding is celebrated on April 17.

St. Stephen was born in the eleventh century in Dorset, England. He studied in Paris and Rome. He decided to join the Monastery of Molesme which was Benedictine. Stephen and two other established the Monastery in Citeaux which became the home of twenty monks.

St. Stephen Harding is considered the father of the Cistercian Order. The Cistercian Order sought an effective balance between prayer and serious work.  St. Stephen wrote the Charter of Charity which became the guide for the Cistercian monasticism. When St. Bernard joined the order, Stephen installed him as the abbot of the monastery in Clairvaux. With the help of St. Bernard the order flourished.

By the time of St. Stephen’s death thirteen monasteries had been established.

St. Stephen died in 1134. He was canonized in 1623.

 

O Jesus, make the fount of Your mercy gush forth more abundantly, for mankind is seriously ill and thus has more need than ever of Your compassion.

Quote of St. Faustina Kowalska; Feast day October 5

 

April is the Month of the Eucharist.

Save