Bernard of Clairvaux and Transubstantiation

Q. Did Bernard advocate the Roman dogma of transubstantiation?

Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux (c. 1090 - 1153 A.D.):

That the visible sign is as a ring, which is given not for itself or absolutely, but to invest and give possession of an estate made over to one. Many things (saith he) are done for their own sake, and many in reference to something else, and then they are called signs. A ring is given absolutely as a gift, and then it hath no other meaning: it is also given to make good an investiture or contract, and then it is a sign; so that he that receives it may say, ‘the ring is not worth much; it is what it signifies, the inheritance, I value.’ In this manner, when the passion of our Lord drew nigh, He took care that His disciples might be invested with His grace, that His invisible grace might be assured and given to them by a visible sign. To this end all sacraments are instituted, and to this the participation of the eucharist is appointed. 

(J. P. Minge, Patrologiæ Cursus Completus, [1854], Patrologiæ Latinæ, Tomus CLXXXIII, S. Bernardi Abbatis Claræ-Vallensis, In Cœna A Domini Sermo [de baptismo, sacramento allaris, et ablutione pedum], § 2, Col. 271). Here Trans. (John Cosin, The History of Popish Transubstantiation, edited by John Sherren Brewer, [1840], pp. 181-182). Here 

On John 6:

The flesh of Christ even at this present day is exhibited and given to us, notwithstanding spiritually, not carnally. 

(J. P. Minge, Patrologiæ Cursus Completus, [1879], Patrologiæ Latinæ, Tomus CLXXXIII, S. Bernardi, In Festo S. Martini Episcopi Sermo. De exemplis obedientiæ, § 10, Col. 495). Here Trans. (Thomas Becon, The Catechism of Thomas Becon, S.t.p. Chaplain to Archbishop Cranmer, Prebendary of Canterbury, &c., Ed. John Ayre, [Cambridge University Press, 1844],  p. 286). Here

How much harder to bear than that other saying which we repeat daily in church, in memory of the Passion: ‘Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood hath eternal life’ (John 6.54). That signifies, whoso honors My death and after My example mortifies his members which are upon the earth (Col. 3.5) shall have eternal life, even as the apostle says, ‘If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him’ (II Tim. 2.12).” 

(St. Bernard, On Loving God, Ch. IV) see (CCEL, On Loving God, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, [Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library], Chapter IV, p. 9). Here

 

At first then the faithful soul eats her bread, but alas! in the sweat of her face. Dwelling in the flesh, she walks as yet by faith, which must work through love. As faith without works is dead, so work itself is food for her; even as our Lord saith, ‘My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me’ (John 4.34). When the flesh is laid aside, she eats no more the bread of carefulness, but is allowed to drink deeply of the wine of love, as if after a repast. 

(St. Bernard, On Loving God, Ch. XI) see (CCEL, On Loving God, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, [Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library], Chapter XI, p. 25). Here

~ Soli Deo Gloria