Saint Bernard (778 – 23 January 842) was bishop of Vienne from 810 until his death. Before his monastic career, Bernard was a soldier under Charlemagne. The death of his mother and father after seven years of his military service had deep impact on Bernard and caused him to spend all his wealth on charity purposes, dividing it into three parts: for the church, for the poor, for his children. He bought the monastery in Ambronay and became Abbot. In 810, after resistance, he became Archbishop of Vienne.