Tucked away beside Mandeville Road, St Bernard’s Catholic Church whispers tales of a saint who shaped history. St Bernard’s isn’t just a building. It’s a tribute to a man named Bernard, born of nobility in Burgundy, France. He traded a life of privilege for a Cistercian habit at the young age of 22. His faith was a fire, igniting the same passion in his family and friends who followed him to the abbey. St Bernard, a scholar and a man of deep contemplation, founded Clairvaux, the “Valley of Light.” He proved that a life of quiet reflection wasn’t a barrier to action. Imagine St Bernard, the quiet monk, becoming a voice that echoed across Europe. Kings and Popes sought his counsel. When the Second Crusade was called, Pope Eugene chose Bernard to rally support. His words ignited a fervor for the holy war across France and Germany. The crusade’s failure, a crushing blow, brought accusations against St Bernard. He bore the weight of criticism, attributing the defeat to the sins of the crusaders themselves. St Bernard’s life, though cloistered, touched the world stage. He died in 1153, leaving a legacy that led to his canonization less than thirty years later. St Bernard’s Catholic Church in Northolt stands as a quiet reminder of this extraordinary life. A life that intertwined contemplation and action, faith and politics, leaving an enduring mark on history.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service