Around 1195 in southern France, Bertrand was born and raised in a devout family. The family’s close friendship with Cistercian sisters nearby helped Bertrand grow from a pious youth into a teen who answered God’s call to become a priest with a calling to fight the Albigensian heresy that raged throughout the region. During his missionary work he befriended St. Dominic and at age 21 joined the Order of Preachers as one of the first members. Bertrand became one of St. Dominic’s favorite traveling companions, and he was known for his piety, apostolic zeal, obedience, and gift of tongues. He died at age 35 while preaching a mission to the same abby of Cistercian Sisters near the town where he grew up.
CHALLENGE
Blessed Bertrand of Garrigues was known to cry bitterly over his own sins, until St. Dominic forbid it and told him to cry instead for the grave sins of the wicked. Many people are stuck in their shameless sinful lives because they have no one to pray for them. Today, think about someone you know who is far away from God, and pray fervently to Mary for their conversion.
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