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Stephen was an English born monk and abbot,he and one of the founders of the Cistercian Order. He is honored as a saint by the Catholic Church.

He spent his youth at Sherborne Abbey in Dorset. He travelled to Scotland and France and went on a pilgrimage to Rome.

Back in France he joined a monastery at Molesme in the Burgundy region.

In 1098 Stephen, along with Robert and Alberic, left Moleme to found a new monastery at Citeaux. Robert was the first abbot but called back to Molsme by Pope urban II. Alberic for 9 years became the second abbot. On his death Stephen became the third abbot.

To begin with it was difficult to get new members but when Bernard of Clairvauz joined with 30 companions it greatly improved.

Together they spearheaded the order.

In 1119 the order received the Charter of Charity an important document for the Cistercian Order- it established its unifying principles. The rapid growth in the 12th century were certainly due in some part to Stephen’s leadership. He insisted on simplicity in all aspects of monastic life.

He was an accomplished scribe and one of his greatest achievements was the Harding Bible.

Stephen was abbot for 23 years. He resigned in 1133 because he was going blind. He died on 28th March. 1134.

Stephen Harding’s feast day is 26th January.

Sources
Wikipedia
Oxford Dictionary of Saints by David Farmer