St. Bernard of Clairvaux, August 20
A young Burgundian noble, Bernard (1090-1153) joined Cîteaux with some thirty relatives and friends, then founded Clairvaux in 1115. He became the most influential voice of his age, advising popes and preaching the Second Crusade. He is a Doctor of the Church.
On the General Roman Calendar, August 20 is a memorial: Saint Bernard, abbot and doctor.
Name days on August 20
In countries that keep name days, August 20 is the day for people named Bernard and Bernie. These names come from the same saint, as variants, nicknames or forms used in other languages.
| Name | Feast day |
|---|---|
| Bernard | August 20 |
| Bernie | August 20 |
August 20 on the calendar
August 20 is the 232nd day of the year (the 233rd in a leap year), with 133 days left until December 31. Here is the day of the week it falls on in the coming years:
| Year | Day |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday |
| 2027 | Friday |
| 2028 | Sunday |
| 2029 | Monday |
| 2030 | Tuesday |
Keeping August 20
August 20 falls in summer. As a memorial, the saint is named in the opening prayer of every Mass celebrated that day. Families who keep name days often mark the day with a card, a candle or a favorite meal, and parishes named after the saint may hold a festival. If you know someone named Bernard and Bernie, it is a good day to send a note.
Saints of the week around August 20
| Date | Saint or feast |
|---|---|
| August 17 | St. Hyacinth |
| August 18 | St. Helena |
| August 19 | St. John Eudes |
| August 21 | St. Pius X |
| August 22 | Queenship of Mary |
| August 23 | St. Rose of Lima |
The day before, August 19, is the day of St. John Eudes. The day after, August 21, belongs to St. Pius X. Looking for a name? Try the name day calendar or go back to today’s saint.