Saint Bernardine of Siena

Saint Bernardine of Siena

Born: 1380, Siena, Italy

Died: 20^th May 1444

Feast Day: May 20th

Also Known as: Apostle of Italy

Patron Saint: Advertisers; advertising; Aquila, Italy; chest problems; Italy; Diocese of San Bernardino, California; gambling addicts; public relations personnel; public relations work; Bernalda, Italy

Shrine: Saint Bernardine of Siena and Saint Celestine V

Canonized: 1450, Pope Nicholas V

Bernadine Albizechi was born on 8^th September 1380 to an aristocrat family in Siena Italy, his father being governor of the local town.  However, his mother died when he was just 3 and his father died when he was 7.  His pious Aunt Diana took over his care at this point and taught him about the love of God.

Bernadine often fasted and would regularly go without food to give to those more in need, even from a young age.  As a teenager he focused on his education before working in a hospital for several years ministering to the sick and dying.  As a plague hit the town and 20 people a day were dying, staff were in short supply, Bernadine ended up running the hospital for 4 months, with a group of 12 young men whom he persuaded to help him. Eventually he was himself bed ridden with exhaustion and illness for 4 months.

When recovered at the age of 21, he spent a year caring for his Aunt Bartholomae before she died, at which point he moved into a small house outside of the city, before he chose to join the Franciscans of the Strict Observance in 1403. It was during this time that he heard Christ say “My son, behold me hanging upon a cross. If you love me, or desire to imitate me, be also fastened naked to your cross and follow me. Thus, you will assuredly find me.”

Dominican St Vincent Ferrer predicted that one of listeners would become a missionary among his people, once ordained Bernardine did just that. His devotion to God encouraged all he met to give up their sins and return to a life of Jesus. This endured during a death threat from a nobleman and false accusation of heresy.

Especially known for his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, Bernardine devised a symbol—IHS, the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek—in Gothic letters on a blazing sun. This was to displace the superstitious symbols of the day, as well as the insignia of factions: for example, Guelphs and Ghibellines.

                                      

Bernardine was widely admired throughout Italy and was offered the office of a bishop on three occasions. Each time, however, he turned down the position, choosing to continue his missionary work. Bernardine preached throughout most of Italy several times over, and even managed to reconcile members of its warring political factions.

Then in 1444, forty years after he first entered religious life, Bernardine became sick while traveling. He continued to preach, but soon lost his strength and his voice.

St. Bernardine of Siena died on May 20, 1444. Only six years later, in 1450, Pope Nicholas V canonized him as a saint.

References: St. Bernardine of Siena - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online

Saint Bernardine of Siena | Franciscan Media

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Bernardine of Siena (newadvent.org)

St. Bernardine of Siena (catholicnewsagency.com)

(61) Discovering our Saints - St. Bernardine of Siena - YouTube