Bishop Varden on St. Bernard: Idealism, Humility & Spiritual Growth | Vatican Lent 2026

Vatican City – In a rare convergence of spiritual leadership and intellectual discourse, Bishop Erik Varden, a Norwegian Catholic prelate and Trappist monk, is leading the Roman Curia in their annual Lenten retreat. The week-long Spiritual Exercises, which began February 22nd and conclude February 27th, are centered around the theme of “Bernard, the Idealist,” exploring the life and teachings of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.

Bishop Varden, appointed Bishop of Trondheim in 2020, delivered his second reflection to Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals, and heads of Dicasteries within the Vatican. His address, as summarized by Vatican News, delves into the complexities of St. Bernard, a towering figure of the 12th-century Cistercian movement. Varden’s presentation isn’t a simple hagiography, but a nuanced examination of a man whose charisma and industriousness often overshadow the innovative spirit that underpinned his work.

The Bishop highlighted that while often credited with founding the Cistercian order, Bernard actually joined an already established monastery, Cîteaux, in 1113 at the age of 23, arriving with a group of thirty companions. Varden emphasized that Cîteaux was a project of innovation as much as reform, deliberately establishing itself as a “novum monasterium” – a new monastery – rather than solely reacting against existing structures. This willingness to embrace novelty, even within a seemingly conservative framework, proved to be a key to the order’s success.

Varden’s analysis extends beyond historical context, exploring the internal tensions within Bernard’s character. He notes that Bernard’s confidence in his own judgment allowed for flexibility, even when seemingly upholding strict adherence to tradition. This willingness to adapt, however, could also lead to rigid positions and fierce partisanship, driven by his perception of the Church’s needs. Crucially, Varden insists that Bernard was not a hypocrite, but a genuinely humble man, capable of kindness, friendship, and a compelling witness to faith.

The Bishop draws a compelling parallel between Bernard and the Trappist monk Thomas Merton, noting a similar “quicksilver nature” and a capacity for intense intellectual and spiritual struggle. He references Dom James Fox, a former abbot of Gethsemani, who described Merton’s mind as “so electrical,” acknowledging the challenges Merton presented while simultaneously respecting his authenticity. This comparison underscores Varden’s emphasis on the internal complexities of spiritual giants, suggesting that even the most devout figures grapple with doubt, conflict, and the need for self-reflection.

Varden’s exploration of Bernard’s teachings on conversion is rooted in a deep understanding of Biblical culture and theological nuance. However, he stresses that these teachings are also born from personal struggle – a continuous process of learning to question one’s own assumptions and to marvel at God’s mercy. This emphasis on ongoing self-examination resonates particularly strongly during Lent, a season traditionally dedicated to repentance and spiritual renewal.

The choice of Bishop Varden to lead this retreat is itself noteworthy. His background is particularly unique within the Vatican hierarchy. Born in May 1974 in Norway to a non-practicing Lutheran family, he converted to Catholicism in June 1993. He then embarked on a decade of study at the University of Cambridge before joining Mount Saint Bernard Abbey, a Trappist monastery in England, in 2002. Ordained a priest in July 2011, he was appointed Bishop of Trondheim by Pope Francis in 2019.

His journey, detailed in a 2024 interview with Catholic World Report, highlights a gradual and deeply personal path to faith, guided by music, literature, and the discovery of the Catholic liturgy. This personal history, combined with his monastic vocation and scholarly pursuits, positions him as a uniquely qualified guide for the Roman Curia during this period of reflection.

Bishop Varden presents St. Bernard not as an unattainable ideal, but as a relatable companion for anyone embarking on a “Lenten exodus from selfishness and pride.” His teachings, born from both intellectual rigor and personal struggle, offer a compelling invitation to pursue authenticity and to seek the “all-illumining love of God.” The retreat, isn’t merely a historical study, but a call to action – a challenge to the Vatican’s leadership to embrace self-reflection and to deepen their commitment to spiritual renewal.

Those interested in learning more about Bishop Varden’s work can visit his website, coramfratribus.com, where further reflections on St. Bernard and other theological topics are available.