Saint Bernard of Menthon orBernard of Aosta^[1] orSaint Bernard of Montjoux was aCatholic priest and founder of theGreat St Bernard Hospice,^[2][3] as well as its associated Canons Regular of the Hospitaller Congregation of Great Saint Bernard.^[4]

Saint Bernard of Menthon
Born	c. 1020 Kingdom of Italy
Died	1081 Imperial Free City ofNovara, Holy Roman Empire
Venerated in	Catholic Church (Canons Regular of St. Augustine), Eastern Orthodox Church
Canonized	1681,Rome,Papal States byPope Innocent XI
Feast	May 28,June 15
Attributes	In the mountains, with a dog
Patronage	mountaineers, skiing,snowboarding,backpacking and the Alps

Bernard was likely born in Italy.^[1]

In popular legend later disputed it is said that he was born in theChâteau de Menthon, nearAnnecy, then in theCounty of Savoy, a part of theKingdom of Burgundy. He was descended from a rich and noble family and received a thorough education in Paris.^[5] When he had reached adulthood, he decided to devote himself to the service of the Church and refused an honorable marriage proposed by his father. It is said that he had to sneak out of the castle on the night before an arranged wedding, and that during his flight from the castle, he threw himself from his window, only to be caught by angels and lowered gently to the ground 40 feet (12 meters) below.^[6]

Placing himself under the direction of Peter, theArchdeacon ofAosta, under whose guidance he rapidly progressed, Bernard was ordained apriest and worked as a missionary in the mountain villages. Later, on account of his learning and virtue, he was appointed to succeed his mentor as archdeacon of the cathedral, giving him charge of the government of thediocese, directly under the bishop.^[7]

For 42 years, he continued to preach theGospel to these people and even into manycantons ofLombardy, effecting numerous conversions and working many miracles.^[7] The last act of Saint Bernard's life was the reconciliation of two noblemen whose strife threatened a fatal outcome. He died in 1081 in theImperial Free City ofNovara and was interred in the monastery of St. Lawrence.^[8]

Since ancient times, there has been a path across thePennine Alps leading from theAosta Valley to theSwiss canton ofValais. The traditional route of this pass is covered with perpetual snow from seven to eight feet deep, and drifts sometimes accumulate to the height of forty feet. Although the pass was extremely dangerous, especially in the springtime on account of avalanches, it was often used byFrench andGermanpilgrims on their way toRome.^[7]

In his office as archdeacon, Bernard had the charge of caring for the poor and travellers. For their convenience and protection, Bernard founded acanonry andhostel at the highest point of the pass, 8,000 feet above sea-level, at the site which has come to bear his name. A few years later he established another hostel on theLittle St Bernard Pass, a mountain saddle in theGraian Alps, 7,076 feet above sea-level. Both were placed in charge of communities ofcanons regular, afterpapal approval had been obtained by Bernard during a visit to Rome. The new community was placed under the patronage ofNicholas of Myra, patron saint of travellers.^[9]

Today theGreat St Bernard Tunnel and modern technology have reduced the need for rescue operations at the pass. The dogs were put up for sale in 2004 because of the high cost of maintenance, and were promptly bought by foundations created for the purpose.^[10]

These hostels were renowned for the generous hospitality extended to all travellers over the Great and Little St Bernard, so called in honour of the founder of these charitable institutions. At all seasons of the year, but especially during heavy snow-storms, the canons, later accompanied by their well-trained dogs, the commonherding dogs ofValais ("St Bernards" are attested from the 17th century), went out in search of victims who might have succumbed to the severity of the weather. They offered food, clothing and shelter to the unfortunate travelers and took care of the dead. They depended on gifts and collections for sustenance.

As of 2012 the congregation consisted of around 35professed members, the majority of whom live at the hostel while some providepastoral care to neighbouringparishes.^[9] St Bernard dogs are still on the site as pets and to entertain tourists; helicopters are used in rescue operations today.

Although venerated from the 11th century in such places of northern Italy as Aosta, Novara andBrescia, Bernard was not formally recognized as a saint until hiscanonization byPope Innocent XI in 1681. His feast is celebrated on 28 May^[11] or June 15 (Roman Martyrology).^[12]Pope Pius XI confirmed Bernard as thepatron saint of the Alps in 1923. His image appears in the flag of some detachments of the Tyrolean Alpine Guard. He is also the patron saint of skiing, snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering.^[13]

Saint Bernard's Catholic Church inSaranac Lake, New York and St. Bernard's Catholic Church and school in New Washington, Ohio are named for him.^[14]

Conflicting dates are given for when Saint Bernard lived and died.Alban Butler in hisLives of the Saints book series has the birth year being 923 and his death being 1008. Many traditional sources repeat these dates, with some variations.

• Saint Bernard of Menthon, patron saint archive

•   Media related toBernard of Menthon at Wikimedia Commons
• Adrian Fletcher’s Paradoxplace Gran San Bernardo Pass Photos