Saint Bernardine of Siena: Difference between revisions

'''Saint Bernardine of Siena''' (September 8, 1380 – May 20, 1444), born Bernardino Albizzeschi, was a [[Saints|saint]] and [[Franciscans|Franciscan]] friar renowned for his eloquent preaching and devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. Born to a noble family in [[Massa Marittima]], [[Tuscany]], [[Italy]], he was orphaned by age six and raised by a pious aunt. Joining the Franciscan Order in 1403, he became a missionary preacher, traveling across Italy on foot for over 30 years, drawing crowds of thousands with sermons that sparked moral reform and reconciliation. His promotion of the IHS monogram, symbolizing Jesus’ name, spread widely, appearing in churches and public spaces. Canonized by [[Pope Nicholas V]] in 1450, his feast day is celebrated on [[May 20]] in the [[Roman Catholic]] Church.<ref name="Sweeney">{{cite book |last=Sweeney |first=Jon M. |title=The Pope Who Quit: A True Medieval Tale of Mystery, Death, and Salvation |year=2012 |publisher=Image Books |isbn=978-0385531894}}</ref>

Bernardine’s preaching, often lasting hours, addressed vices like gambling, usury, and factionalism, while advocating for peace and devotion. His “Bonfires of the Vanities” saw people burn frivolous items, symbolizing repentance. Despite a weak voice, miraculously strengthened later, he was called the “Apostle of Italy” for reviving Catholicism in the 15th century. His relics, housed in the [[Basilica of San Bernardino]] in [[Aquila]], remain a pilgrimage site. As patron of advertisers, public relations, and [[Aquila]], his legacy endures in his sermons and the IHS symbol.<ref name="CatholicEncyclopedia">{{cite web |title=St. Bernardine of Siena |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02505b.htm |website=Catholic Encyclopedia |access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref><ref name="web0"></ref>[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernardino_of_Siena)

Saint Bernardine of Siena was born on September 8, 1380, in [[Massa Marittima]], [[Tuscany]], [[Italy]], to the noble Albizzeschi family. His father, Albertollo, served as governor of the Sienese town, and his mother was Raniera degli Avveduti. The family’s prominence in the region provided Bernardine a privileged upbringing, though tragedy struck early with the loss of his mother at age three and his father by age six.<ref name="web0" /><ref name="web17"></ref>[](https://saintoftheday.com/st-bernardine-of-siena/)

Raised in a devout environment, Bernardine’s early piety was nurtured by his aunt Diana, whose Catholic faith profoundly influenced him. His birthplace, part of Siena’s contado, was a vibrant center of medieval culture, setting the stage for his later role as a reformer.<ref name="web6"></ref>[](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-bernardine-of-siena-462)

Orphaned young, Bernardine was cared for by his aunt Diana and her daughter in [[Siena]], where he developed a strong devotion to God and the Virgin Mary. Known for his compassion, he often gave food to the poor, once insisting on fasting himself to aid a beggar. At 11, he studied civil and canon law in [[Siena]], excelling academically while fasting weekly in honor of Mary and avoiding crude speech.<ref name="web7"></ref><ref name="web10"></ref>[](https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/may-20-saint-bernardine-of-siena-priest/)[](https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints/bernardine-of-siena-495)

In 1397, at 17, he joined the Confraternity of Our Lady at Santa Maria della Scala hospital, serving the sick and poor. During the 1400 plague in [[Siena]], he led 12 companions to manage the hospital for four months, tending to victims despite losing many workers. Exhausted, he fell ill with a fever, recovering to care for his ailing aunt until her death in 1401.<ref name="web4"></ref><ref name="web6" />[](https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=7)

Before his preaching career, Bernardine’s “occupation” centered on religious service and study. As a confraternity member, he nursed the sick and managed hospital operations during crises. His legal education in [[Siena]] equipped him with skills later used in preaching and mediation. After joining the Franciscans in 1403, he focused on prayer and spiritual preparation, ordained as a priest in 1404.<ref name="web7" /><ref name="web12"></ref>[](https://connection.newmanministry.com/saint/saint-bernardine-of-siena/)

As a missionary preacher from 1417, he traveled Italy, delivering sermons that addressed societal issues and promoted reform. His role as vicar general of the Observant Franciscans involved leading the order’s growth, increasing its members from 300 to 4,000 by his death. He also mediated disputes, notably in [[Siena]] and [[Ferrara]], fostering peace.<ref name="web5"></ref><ref name="web8"></ref>[](https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bernardine-of-siena/)[](https://catholicsaintmedals.com/saints/st-bernadine-of-siena/)

Bernardine’s vocation crystallized when he joined the Observant Franciscans in 1403, embracing strict adherence to St. Francis’ rule of poverty and humility. Ordained in 1404, he initially avoided preaching due to a weak voice, focusing on prayer for 12 years. By 1417, his voice strengthened—attributed to Mary’s intercession—he began preaching in [[Milan]], captivating crowds with his eloquence.<ref name="web4" /><ref name="web5" />

His missionary work spanned Italy, addressing vices like gambling, witchcraft, and usury, and promoting the IHS monogram to inspire devotion to Jesus’ name. He declined bishoprics in [[Siena]], [[Ferrara]], and [[Urbino]] to focus on preaching and reform. His sermons, often held outdoors to accommodate thousands, fostered reconciliation and moral renewal, earning him comparisons to St. Paul.<ref name="web1"></ref><ref name="web5" /><ref name="post1"></ref>[](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Bernardine-of-Siena)[](https://x.com/SaintPortraits/status/1659877726264631297)

Saint Bernardine of Siena met his end on May 20, 1444, in [[Aquila]], [[Kingdom of Naples]], dying of a fever while evangelizing. Too weak to walk, he rode a donkey to continue his mission. He collapsed and died on Ascension eve, as friars chanted “Pater manifestavi nomen Tuum hominibus” in choir. His body, kept in [[Aquila]] by local magistrates, was buried in the Observant Franciscans’ church.<ref name="CatholicEncyclopedia" /><ref name="web2"></ref>[](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02505b.htm)

Miracles, including healings, were reported at his tomb, prompting his canonization in 1450. His relics, translated to the [[Basilica of San Bernardino]] in 1472, remain a pilgrimage site, with a shrine gifted by Louis XI of France.<ref name="web2" /><ref name="web15"></ref>[](https://www.sbdiocese.org/about/bernardine.cfm)

* Joined the Confraternity of Our Lady at Santa Maria della Scala hospital in 1397.

* Managed [[Siena]]’s hospital during the 1400 plague, leading 12 companions.

* Entered the Observant Franciscans in 1403, ordained a priest in 1404.

* Died on May 20, 1444, in [[Aquila]], with miracles reported at his tomb.<ref name="web0" /><ref name="web4" /><ref name="web5" />

The process to recognize Saint Bernardine as a Servant of God began soon after his death in 1444, driven by reports of miracles at his tomb in [[Aquila]]. The [[Franciscans]] and local faithful, particularly in [[Siena]] and [[Aquila]], gathered testimonies of his holiness, preaching, and charitable works, initiating his cause in the [[Diocese]] of Aquila.<ref name="web2" />

No distinct beatification process is recorded for Saint Bernardine, as pre-Congregation practices relied on popular devotion and miracles. His cult grew in [[Tuscany]] and [[Aquila]], with hagiographies by Barnaba of Siena and Maffeo Vegio written shortly after his death, supporting his sanctity.<ref name="web0" /><ref name="web12" />

Saint Bernardine was canonized on May 24, 1450, by [[Pope Nicholas V]] in [[Rome]], [[Papal States]], six years after his death. His canonization was prompted by numerous healing miracles reported at his tomb, verified by ecclesiastical authorities. His swift canonization reflects his profound impact as a preacher and reformer, earning him the title “Apostle of Italy.”<ref name="web1" /><ref name="web15" />

Saint Bernardine’s canonization was supported by miracles, primarily healings, reported at his tomb in [[Aquila]]. His life was marked by acts considered providential, though specific miracles were less emphasized than his preaching and moral influence.<ref name="web2" />

Healing miracles at Bernardine’s tomb in [[Aquila]] between 1444 and 1450, including cures of the sick who visited or touched his relics, were documented and verified for his canonization. These miracles, reported by pilgrims and locals, were pivotal in his recognition as a saint.<ref name="web15" />

* His voice, initially weak and hoarse, was miraculously strengthened, attributed to the Virgin Mary’s intercession, enabling his preaching career.<ref name="web5" />

* Numerous cures were reported by those who viewed his IHS monogram or attended his sermons, particularly in [[Aquila]].<ref name="web15" />

Saint Bernardine of Siena is the patron saint of advertisers, public relations professionals, gambling addicts, those with chest problems, and [[Aquila]], [[Italy]].<ref name="web14"></ref><ref name="web19"></ref>[](https://www.praymorenovenas.com/st-bernardine-of-siena-novena)[](https://catholicnovenaapp.com/novenas/st-bernadine-of-siena-novena/)

Saint Bernardine of Siena’s feast day is celebrated on [[May 20]] in the [[Roman Catholic]] Church, marking his death and legacy as a preacher.<ref name="web6" />

Saint Bernardine is venerated through prayers, novenas, and pilgrimages to the [[Basilica of San Bernardino]] in [[Aquila]], where his relics are preserved. Devotees honor him with the IHS monogram, often displayed in churches, and seek his intercession for purity and effective communication. His image, depicting him with the IHS symbol, three mitres (for rejected bishoprics), or a Franciscan habit, is common in [[Tuscany]] and [[Aquila]].<ref name="web3"></ref><ref name="web13"></ref>[](https://sacredheartfla.org/about-us/being-franciscan/franciscan-saints/st-bernardino-of-siena/)[](https://catholicnovenaapp.com/saints/about-st-bernadine-of-siena/)

His sermons, recorded by a Sienese fuller in 1427, remain a treasure of vernacular Italian, studied for their insight into 15th-century life. The Perdonanza Celestiniana in [[Aquila]] and festivals in [[Siena]] celebrate his legacy, alongside St. Catherine, as co-patron. His devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, popularized through the IHS symbol, continues to inspire Catholics, with his influence evident in church art and liturgy.<ref name="web2" /><ref name="web16"></ref><ref name="post1" />[](https://www.catholic365.com/article/11461/saint-bernardine-of-siena.html)

* [https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Bernardine-Siena-Paul-Thureau-Dangin/dp/0895554844 Saint Bernardine of Siena by Paul Thureau-Dangin]

* [https://www.amazon.com/Bernardino-Siena-Cynthia-L-Polecritti/dp/0813218004 Preaching Peace in Renaissance Italy: Bernardino of Siena and His Audience by Cynthia L. Polecritti]<ref name="web0" />

* [https://www.amazon.com/Bernardino-Siena-Merciless-Betrayer-Women/dp/0801896274 Bernardino of Siena: Great Defender or Merciless Betrayer of Women? by Franco Mormando]<ref name="web0" />

* [https://www.amazon.com/Prediche-Volgari-Siena-Bernardino-1427/dp/B00K7Z9Z8A Le Prediche Volgari di Siena, 1427, edited by Ciro Cannarozzi] (Lenten sermons recorded by Benedetto of Siena)<ref name="web2" />

* [https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=7 Saint Bernardine of Siena at Catholic Online]<ref name="web4" />

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernardino_of_Siena Bernardino of Siena at Wikipedia]<ref name="web0" />