After Saint Benedict’s death in 1153, the Cistercian order was expanded all over Europe with three hundred and forty-three abbeys. Which one was the explanation for such a spectacular success? On the one hand, its universal appeal in all levels of society since it opened the faculty to the peasants and the craftsmen thanks to the creation and the impetus of the lay brothers who were able to capture the changes in the demographic and economic field in Europe in the Middle Age. In addition, the clergymen and scholastics joined the Order from the very beginningdoubtless attracted by the personality of Saint Benedicte.
This monk exerted his influence on the society in those times, being the most incomparable apologist of the Order. During thirty years, he was a mentor or Popes, advisor of Kings and Cardinals, `doer´ and `undoer´ of Bishops. His preaching encouraged the nobility in France and Germany to launch the second crusade. As well as his writings, letters, sermons and treatise. The fame of Benedicte as a preacher, his reputation as a saint and his legendary mortifications gave publicising to the Cistercian aim that they would have never had without him.