Tag: pope pius XII

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Bernard of Clairvaux has numerous titles: preacher, miracle worker, advisor of popes, defender of faith, arbitrator.. and many others. One of the most distinguishable 12th century historical figures, St. Bernard was not only Holy but also known to be a very intelligent theologian. Proclaimed as Doctor of the Church in 1830, Pope Pius XII said in his encyclical Doctor Mellifluus about St. Bernard: “the last of the Fathers, but certainly not inferior to the earlier ones.” St. Bernard’s feast day is August 20th.

Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary

Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary

Many traditions and legends surround the Virgin Mary’s physical Assumption into heaven. Evidence for these relevant and captivating customs and beliefs varies. We know for certain, however, based on Pope Pius XII’s Munificentissimus Deus: “The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.” While the reality of this historical event wasn’t recognized dogmatically until 1950, we have 2nd century references to Mary’s Assumption.