The feast day of Bl. Bertrand of Garrigua is celebrated on September 6. He was born in Garrigua, France in 1195. Bl. Bertrand was ordained a secular priest preaching with the Cistercians against the Albigenses. In the year 1216 he met St. Dominic. He soon joined St. Dominic helping him to found the Order of Preachers.
While St. Dominic was in Rome seeking approval of his new order he left Bertrand in charge. He was an important part in the founding of the Order of Preachers, becoming known as the “second Dominic”. He was known to be a traveling companion with St. Dominic.
Bl. Bertrand was known for continually weeping for his sins. St. Dominic convinced him that it would be better to pray for ht sins of others instead. Bertrand continued weeping, however, he was weeping for others sins instead of his own. After having a vision he also began to pray for the souls in purgatory.
Bl. Bertrand fell sick while preaching a mission in 1230 and died at the age of 35.
The body of Bl. Bertrand was found to be incorrupt in 1881, 23 years after his death.
Bl. Bertrand was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1881.
A person who governs his passions is master of the world. We must either rule them or be ruled by them. It is better to be the hammer than the anvil.
Quote of St. Dominic; Feast Day August 8
September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows