* August 20 - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church (d. 1152)  * Mary is the necessary ‘star’ for us to ‘navigate’ in this world --- An initiative of the Mary of Nazareth Association  August 20 - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church (d. 1152)  Mary is the necessary ‘star’ for us to ‘navigate’ in this world The Vision of St Bernard, by Fra Bartolommeo, c. 1504 (Uffizi). [Wikipedia] Saint Bernard knows that only God's strength is our force. His admiration for the divine plan of salvation focuses on the mystery of the Incarnate Word. However, for God and humankind to achieve union, the Lord has provided for the singular contribution of a creature—the Virgin Mary. This made Saint Bernard say: "Let us strive to go to the Savior by the same route he followed to come to us…" and "When we think about her, we do not stray." The major importance of Mary derives from the fact that she helped to bring humanity closer to God and to make God more accessible to humanity. Mary's greatness also lies in terms of personal and moral responsibility in the answer—so crucial for the rest of humanity—that Mary gave on the day of the Annunciation. Mary is the necessary ‘star’ for us to ‘navigate’ in this world. Saint Bernard’s thought is not really new—he borrowed this thought from the Fathers of the Church. (He is sometimes considered the last Father of the Church). His enthusiastic style earned him the title of Champion of Our Lady. The Mary of Nazareth Team Saint Bernard: Abbot and Doctor of the Church Let’s pray together  Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.