St. Stephen Harding was born in the 11th century in Dorset, England. Educated in a monastery as a youth, he later studied in France and made a pilgrimage to Rome. Deeply drawn to the monastic life, Stephen joined the Benedictines at Molesme Abbey. Seeking deeper simplicity and fidelity to the Rule of St. Benedict, he helped found Cîteaux Abbey in 1098, giving rise to what would become the Cistercian Order. As the third abbot of Cîteaux, Stephen emphasized poverty, manual labor, prayer, and uniformity in monastic life. Under his leadership, the Order grew rapidly, especially with the entry of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and his companions. Stephen also compiled the Carta Caritatis (“Charter of Charity”), a foundational document that ensured unity and mutual support among Cistercian monasteries. He died around 1134, remembered as a humble reformer and a wise, steady leader.
Practical Lessons:
- Live with Less to Focus on What Matters: St. Stephen Harding chose simplicity to better serve God. Today, that might mean decluttering your home, reducing screen time, or spending less on unnecessary things so you can focus more on prayer, family, and service.
- Stay Organized to Serve Better: Stephen’s Carta Caritatis helped different monasteries work in harmony. You can bring peace and effectiveness into your life by organizing your schedule, setting up a prayer routine, or creating a clear plan for your family or team.
- Be Willing to Start Fresh: He left comfort behind to help start something new rooted in faith. If you feel stuck in a job, relationship, or routine, consider where God might be calling you to begin again—one step at a time, with trust.
Prayer:
St. Stephen Harding, you followed Christ in simplicity, order, and humility. Pray for us, that we may seek what truly matters and live each day with purpose. Intercede for us as we strive to bring peace and order to our lives, that we may grow in faith and serve others joyfully. Through your example, may we always remain faithful to God’s call. Amen.
Quote:
“Let there be unity in love, and peace in simplicity.” — St. Stephen Harding
Other Saints We Remember Today
St. Anicetus (175), Pope, Martyr
photo via Wikimedia Commons
