Saints of August: Bernard of Clairvaux, John the Baptist, and Monica
The month of August is rich with stories of faith. Three remarkable figures — St. Bernard of Clairvaux, John the Baptist, and St. Monica — each have a day of remembrance on the church calendar this month. Their lives, though separated by centuries, share a common thread: deep devotion to God and a lasting influence on those who came after them.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux — August 20
Born near Dijon, France, in 1090, Bernard of Clairvaux was both a mystic and an influential leader of the Cistercian monastic movement. As an abbot, he founded 163 monasteries, and his influence extended far beyond the cloister.
Bernard’s writings earned him the title “doctor of the church,” given to those whose teaching has significantly shaped Christian theology. He emphasized the importance of love over fear as a motivator for change:
“Neither fear nor self-interest can convert the soul… Only charity can convert the soul, freeing it from unworthy motives.”
He also saw creation as a profound teacher:
“You will find something far greater in the woods than in books. Stones and trees will teach you that which you cannot learn from the masters.”
Bernard’s legacy reminds us to learn from God’s world and to let love — not fear — shape our actions.
John the Baptist — August 29
John the Baptist’s life and ministry were marked by boldness and unwavering devotion. Known as the one who prepared the way for Jesus, his story is told in all four Gospels.
The Jewish historian Josephus records that John’s death took place at the fortress of Machaerus near the Dead Sea, a site you can still visit today in modern-day Jordan. In Matthew 14 and Mark 6, the Gospels recount how John’s fearless truth-telling led to his imprisonment and execution.
Remembering John invites us to reflect on what it means to live courageously — speaking truth even when it is costly, and staying faithful to God’s call.
St. Monica — August 27
St. Monica is perhaps best known as the mother of St. Augustine, one of Christianity’s most influential theologians. Born in what is now Algeria, Monica’s life was marked by steadfast prayer and perseverance.
Her husband and son did not initially share her Christian faith. Augustine, in particular, famously lived a wayward life for many years. Yet Monica’s unceasing prayers and faithful example eventually played a key role in both her husband’s and son’s conversions. Augustine would later credit her persistence as a turning point in his own journey.
Monica is remembered today as the patron saint of wives and mothers — a symbol of hope for anyone who is praying and waiting for transformation in a loved one’s life.
Learning from August’s Saints
Though their contexts and callings were different, Bernard of Clairvaux, John the Baptist, and Monica all model key aspects of the Christian life: learning from creation, living courageously, and persevering in prayer.
As we remember them this August, we might ask ourselves:
How is God speaking to me through the natural world?
Where is God calling me to courage, even when it’s costly?
Who in my life needs my prayers and patient faithfulness?
May their examples inspire us to follow Christ with renewed devotion — in whatever ways He calls us.
