St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry

“Watch your thoughts like a good fisherman watching for fish.”

— St. Romuald's "Brief Rule"

Artwork: "Crucifixion with Saints" featuring St. Romuald by Fra Angelico, 1441

We’re incredibly grateful for all who joined us in-person and on Zoom for last week’s “Conference on the Philosophy and Theology of the Heart: The Heart as the Integration of the Human Person,” with Professor Lisa Lickona, Dr. Stephen Loughlin, Fr. Andreas Kramarz, and Sr. Gill Goulding, CJ (who joined us from Rome!).

It was a blessed time pondering the many facets of the human heart and ultimately Christ’s Sacred Heart, the culmination of which was celebrated at our half-day retreat on Saturday reflecting on the Immaculate Heart of Mary with Professor Lickona. Around 90 retreatants joined us!

Deo gratias!

We're thrilled to be welcoming 500 auditors so far to our 6th annual One Free Summer Audit, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Finger Lakes Chapter!

There’s still time to apply to join us for Summer Session II! Our application deadline is tomorrow, June 19th. If you’d like to audit, select one course from our list of summer courses here! stbernards.edu/freeaudit

Join us in person or virtually on July 23rd at 7:00 PM EDT for "More Than Conquerors: Christian Reflections on the Art of Dying" with Dr. Joshua Schulz, Associate Professor of Philosophy at DeSales University. In this timely lecture, Dr. Schulz will explore Christian perspectives on suffering, death, and human dignity amid contemporary debates surrounding medicine, euthanasia, and assisted su***de.

Special thanks to our co-sponsors for this event—the Diocese of Rochester Office of Life Issues, Finger Lakes Guild of Rochester - Catholic Medical Association, and Restore Health and Wellness —whose work in medical ethics is profoundly important in today’s age. Learn more and register here! stbernards.regfox.com/christian-reflections-on-the-art-of-dying

More Than Conquerors: Christian Reflections on the Art of Dying with Dr. Joshua Schulz Join us in person or virtually on July 23rd at 7:00 PM EDT for "More Than Conquerors: Christian Reflections on the Art of Dying" with Dr. Joshua Schulz, Associate Professor of Philosophy at DeSales University.

“In the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I trust. Look to the Star, call upon Mary! In danger, in difficulty, or in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Keep her name on your lips, never let it pass out of your heart.”

— St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Artwork: "The Heart of Mary" by
Leopold Kupelwieser, 19th century

“Reconciled with one another, united and transformed by the love that flows abundantly from the Heart of Christ, let us walk together humbly and resolutely in his footsteps, firm in faith and open to all in charity. Let us bring the peace of the risen Lord to our world, with the freedom born of the knowledge that we have been loved, chosen and sent by the Father.”

— Pope Leo XIV’s Homily, June 27, 2025

Artwork: "Sacred Heart of Jesus" by Pompeo Batoni, 1767

"It was by divine judgment that Barnabas was called ‘son of encouragement,’ for he not only comforted the apostles with gifts, but the Church through his teaching.”

— St. Bede the Venerable

Artwork: "San Bernabé" by Juan Martín Cabezalero, ca. 1640

NEW ON THE BLOG | Current Master of Arts in Theological Studies student, Christine Zabel, shares her transformative experience attending St. Bernard’s Summer Retreat Course at Genesee Abbey Retreats.

Reflecting on the beauty of silence, solitude, and contemplative prayer, she explores how stepping away from the noise of daily life can deepen our awareness of God’s presence and help us encounter His unconditional love. Discover how contemplative prayer can become a powerful way to listen to God and remain rooted in His presence long after the retreat ends.

Read it here!

Come Away With Me A While: Drawing Close to the Lord through Contemplative Prayer - St. Bernard's Current MATS student, Christine Zabel, shares her transformative experience attending St. Bernard’s Summer Retreat Course at the Abbey of the Genesee. Reflecting on the beauty of silence, solitude, and contemplative prayer, she explores how stepping away from the noise of daily life can deepen our...

"Wherever you turn your eyes, there is God’s symbol; wherever you read, there you will find His types. In the creatures He has created, you will see the likeness of His Son."

— St. Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor of the Church

Artwork: "An Engraving of Saint Ephrem the Syrian" by Jan Sadeler, 1603

“O Priest! You are not of yourself because you are of God.
You are not of yourself because you are the servant and minister of Christ.
You are not your own because you are the spouse of the Church.
You are not yourself because you are the mediator between God and man.
You are not from yourself because you are nothing.
What then are you?
Nothing and everything.
O Priest!
Take care, lest what was said to Christ on the cross be said to you:
‘He saved others, himself he cannot save!'”

— St. Norbert, Bishop, pray for us!

Artwork: "St. Norbert" by Marten Pepijn, 1637