Bernard of Menthon

Early life Bernard was likely born in Italy. 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 below. ==Priesthood==

Placing himself under the direction of Peter, the Archdeacon of Aosta, under whose guidance he rapidly progressed, Bernard was ordained a priest 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 the diocese, directly under the bishop. For 42 years, he continued to preach the Gospel to these people and even into many cantons of Lombardy, effecting numerous conversions and working many miracles. ==St Bernard's Passes==

, 2469 m, August 2003 Since ancient times, there has been a path across the Pennine Alps leading from the Aosta Valley to the Swiss canton of Valais. 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 by French and German pilgrims on their way to Rome. Today the Great 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. ==Legacy==

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 common herding dogs of Valais ("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. , Alsace As of 2012 the congregation consisted of around 35 professed members, the majority of whom live at the hostel while some provide pastoral care to neighbouring parishes. St Bernard dogs are still on the site as pets and to entertain tourists; helicopters are used in rescue operations today. ==Veneration==

, Garbagna Novarese (Italy), late 15th century Although venerated from the 11th century in such places of northern Italy as Aosta, Novara and Brescia, Bernard was canonised only in 1681 by Pope Innocent XI. His feast is celebrated on 28 May or June 15 (Roman Martyrology date given for his burial). Pope Pius XI confirmed Bernard as the patron 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. Saint Bernard's Catholic Church in Saranac Lake, New York and St. Bernard's Catholic Church and school in New Washington, Ohio are named for him. Conflicting dates are given for when Saint Bernard lived and died. Alban Butler in his Lives of the Saints book series as well as the Catholic Encyclopedia have the birth year being 923 and his death year being 1008. Many traditional sources repeat these dates, with some variations. ==See also==