Bernard of Alzira

Saint Bernard of Alzira was born in 1135 in Carlet, Valencia, Spain, the son of Mansur, emir of the taifa of Carlet. Known at birth as Ahmet Ibn al-Mansur, he was raised at court and formed as a prince and diplomat. In 1156 he was sent as an ambassador to Barcelona to negotiate the release of prisoners. Returning home unsuccessful, he stopped near the Cistercian monastery of Poblet. Drawn by the monks’ life of prayer, he asked for lodging, and within days dismissed his servant and entered the Cistercian Order, taking the name Bernard. Years later, burning with love for Christ, Bernard returned to Valencia hoping to share the Gospel with his own family. His witness moved his sisters Zaida and Zoraida to receive Baptism, taking the names Mary and Grace. Their conversion provoked fierce opposition, and the three siblings were arrested near Alzira and put to death in 1181, sealing their faith with martyrdom. Saint Bernard is honored especially in the Valencian lands and is patron of Alzira, Benimodo, and Carlet. His feast day is July 1.