St. Bernardine of Siena (Priest)

The Italian priest St. Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444) was identified for his preaching and his recognition with strange folks. As a younger man, he cared for an aged lady on her deathbed; she continually pronounced the title “Jesus” with nice devotion. Bernardine was profoundly affected, and determined to make the title of Jesus the theme of his personal life.

When Siena was struck by a plague, Bernardine nursed the sick till he himself turned sick. After recovering, he turned a Franciscan monk, and was ordained a priest in 1404. Bernardine spent a dozen years in solitude and prayer, and was then despatched forth as a preacher. For a few years he traveled on foot all through Italy, preaching to crowds as massive as 30,000 — carrying out all this with a weak and hoarse voice (although, in accordance with legend, it later miraculously improved due to his devotion to Mary).

Bernardine was particularly identified for his devotion to the Holy Title of Jesus, and he devised a logo — IHS (the primary three letters of the title Jesus in Greek) — to signify it. As this devotion unfold, the image started to interchange the superstitious indicators and symbols of the day. When a producer of taking part in playing cards complained that the saint’s preaching towards playing was depriving him of his livelihood, Bernardine informed him to begin making medallions with the image IHS. The person took this recommendation — and ended up making extra money than ever.

A few of Bernardine’s teachings have been criticized, and three makes an attempt have been made to have the pope self-discipline him, however the saint’s apparent religion and holiness overcame all opposition. St. Bernardine helped strengthen the Franciscan Order, and he contributed to an important improve of piety among the many laity. He died quickly after attending the Council of Florence in 1444, and was canonized solely six years later.

Classes

• 1. As St. Paul acknowledged, “God bestowed upon Jesus the Title that’s above each different title” (Philippians 2:9). As St. Bernardine realized, honoring the Holy Title of Jesus is the signal of a real Christian.
• 2. God will present for many who, even at monetary value to themselves, search to do what’s proper; St. Bernardine helped the maker of playing gear discover a higher and holier technique to make a dwelling.
• 3. Bernardine adopted the recommendation of St. Francis of Assisi to evangelise about “vice and advantage, punishment and glory.” His success reveals that many individuals are prepared to hearken to the proclamation of the reality.