Easter: May 20th
Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter; Optional Memorial of St. Bernardine of Siena, priest
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Old Calendar: St. Bernadine of Siena, confessor
Born in 1380, St. Bernardine of Siena left the world at an early age in order to lead a hermit's life. When he was twenty-two, he entered the Franciscan Order, one of whose glories he is. Having been made General of the Order, he resigned this charge in order to devote himself to preaching. He preached the name of Jesus with such love that it wrought the transformation of many souls. He was instrumental in effecting many conversions. He died at Aquilea, in the midst of his missionary labors, on May 20, 1444, and was canonized six years later.
This feast is celebrated today both in the Ordinary Form and Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.St. BernadineBernardine 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.
Often portrayed as: A Franciscan holding a sun upon which the Name of Jesus is inscribed.Patron: advertisers; advertising; against hoarseness; communications; compulsive or uncontrolled gambling; gambling addicts; lungs; public relations; chest, respiratory, or lung problems; Aquila, Italy; diocese of San Bernardino, California; Italy;Things to Do:
- Our saint's glowing love for the holy Name of Jesus fills us with admiration. Keep this blessed Name on your lips, and more so in your heart. It is a Name that always arouses love for Christ. Never use it lightly or irreverently.
- From the Catholic Culture Library: St. Bernardino Fostered Holy Name Devotion
- Read more about St. Bernadine of Siena at Anastpaul, Catholic News Agency and My Catholic Life.