St. Bernadine of Siena
Bernardine
was born in Carrara, Italy, in 1380. Even as a boy he nursed the sick
during a time of pestilence in Siena. During a severe illness he decided
upon entering a monastery and becoming a Franciscan. His superiors
assigned him the task of preaching, and he submitted humbly despite a
throat affliction. God heard his petition, and the ailment was
miraculously cured.
A powerful and eloquent preacher (Pius II
called him "a second Paul") and a zealous apostle, Bernardine traveled
the length and breadth of Italy, inculcating love and reverence toward
the holy Name of Jesus. He exerted a powerful influence upon his
contemporaries, inaugurating a genuine reformation within the Church.
Seldom has a saint had so many and so distinguished followers (including
St. John Capistran). Upon entering a city, Bernardine had a standard
carried before him upon which was the holy Name of Jesus (IHS) encircled
with twelve golden rays and surmounted by a cross.
When he
preached, this symbol was placed alongside the pulpit; or he would hold
in his hand a tablet bearing the divine monogram in letters large enough
to be visible to the entire audience. It was also his zealous appeals
that induced many priests to put the Name of Jesus on the altars and
walls of their churches, or to have little cards with the inscription
distributed among the people. At his instigation the public buildings in
many cities of Italy were adorned with the monogram suitably enlarged,
as can still be seen in Siena. At the Council of Florence St. Bernardine
labored strenuously to end the schism (1439).
— Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.
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