Episode 1248: St Bernard of Menthon

St. Bernard of Menthon, also known as Bernard of Montjoux, is a Catholic saint who is primarily remembered for his role as the patron saint of mountaineers and travelers. He was born in the early 11th century, around 1020, in the town of Menthon in the Duchy of Savoy, which is now part of modern-day France.
St. Bernard dedicated his life to providing assistance and support to those who traveled through the treacherous Alpine passes in the region. At that time, these passes were dangerous and often impassable due to harsh weather conditions, avalanches, and bandits. St. Bernard established hospices at strategic locations in the mountains, including the Great St. Bernard Pass and the Little St. Bernard Pass, to offer shelter, food, and medical aid to weary travelers.
Here are some more details about his work:Show more

Establishment of Hospices: St. Bernard founded hospices at strategic locations along the Alpine passes. The most well-known ones are the Great St. Bernard Pass and the Little St. Bernard Pass. These hospices were essentially monasteries that served as shelters for travelers, especially pilgrims, merchants, and those journeying through the dangerous mountain routes.

Hospitality and Care: The hospices provided a range of services to the travelers. The monks who lived in the hospices offered hospitality, including providing food, drink, and a place to rest. They welcomed weary travelers and offered them respite from the harsh conditions of the mountains.

Medical Aid: In addition to shelter and sustenance, the hospices provided medical aid to those in need. The monks were skilled in basic medical care and offered treatment to injured or sick travelers. They tended to their wounds, provided herbal remedies, and offered a safe space for recovery.

Guiding and Rescue: The monks of the hospices also played a crucial role in guiding and rescuing lost or stranded individuals in the treacherous mountain terrain. They would venture out in search of those in need, especially during storms, avalanches, or blizzards. Their knowledge of the region and experience in navigating the passes made them effective guides.

Dog Breeding and Rescue Operations: St. Bernard is associated with the iconic St. Bernard breed of dogs. The monks bred and trained these dogs to assist in their rescue operations. The dogs were renowned for their strength, endurance, and exceptional sense of smell. They could locate travelers buried under snow and lead the monks to their aid.
St. Bernard of Menthon is often depicted with a dog by his side, which has become the iconic image of the St. Bernard breed of dogs. The dogs were initially bred and trained by the monks of the hospices to assist in rescue operations. These dogs had an exceptional sense of smell and could locate travelers buried under snow or guide them to safety during blizzards.

St. Bernard died on May 28, 1081, St. Bernard of Menthon was canonized as a saint by Pope Innocent XI. Pope Innocent XI served as the Pope from 1676 until his death in 1689. He officially recognized and declared St. Bernard of Menthon as a saint of the Catholic Church in the year 1681.He is venerated as a protector and intercessor for travelers, mountaineers, hikers, and skiers, and his legacy continues to inspire acts of compassion and assistance towards those in need, particularly in dangerous and challenging environments.