Bio

 

 Born in what is now France near the Swiss border, Bernard was born, likely, in a castle to a rich and noble family, and was able to receive an education in Paris. After he finished his studies, his father set up an honorable marriage for him. Bernard did not want to marry, wanting to instead live for his faith, and apparently leapt from his window the night of the wedding and was miraculously lowered to the ground 40 feet below. 

He sought to study under the Archdeacon of Aosta in Italy, and became a priest. He eventually rose to the position of Vicar General of Aosta, and later became Archdeacon himself. 

​

Bernard chose to dedicate himself as a missionary to the mountain villages in the Alps. His final work after years of conversions and miracles was to reconcile two noblemen threatening violence.

​

Aside from this calling, Bernard also cared for the poor and travelers of this region. A pass into Aosta that was often taken by pilgrims on their way to Rome is perpetually covered in snow around 8 feet deep. He established a hostel at the pass to house these travelers, and the area was then named for him. Bernard also established another hostel in an equally precarious location, and the men who cared for these houses soon became monks themselves and built a monastery. These hostels were known for their caring and hospitality and offered food and shelter to those who needed it, and cared even for the dead who were not able to make it. These men also went out after avalanches with dogs who also became known as “St. Bernards” to look for injured survivors. While helicopters are used for this purpose today, some of the dogs still live on the site. 

​

Bernard administered to the Alpine communities for 42 years. He died in what is now Italy. 1,000 years later, his hostels still function.