Saint Bernardine

Saint Bernardine was born into a noble family in Massa Marittima, Province of Siena, Italy, where his father served as governor. After both his parents died by the age of seven, he was raised by his devout aunt, who instilled in him a love for the poor. At eleven, his uncles sent him to study civil and canon law in Siena, where he continued his religious devotion and fasted on Saturdays in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At seventeen, he joined the Confraternity of Our Lady, helping at a local hospital. In 1400, a plague hit Siena, leading Bernardine to gather twelve young men to care for the sick, mirroring Jesus' apostles. After recovering from an illness, he took care of his blind aunt for fourteen months until her death.

Around twenty-two, he sought solitude to discern God's will, which led him to join the Franciscan Friars of the Strict Observance. After completing his novitiate, he was ordained a priest on his birthday, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Bernardine's deep love for the Blessed Mother and commitment to Christ inspired him to preach. Despite a speech impediment, he learned that true preaching came from within.

He traveled across Italy for over thirty years, initially preaching in churches but soon moving to public squares. He addressed prevalent sins of his time and promoted devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus through the "IHS" symbol. Throughout his mission, he sought reconciliation and unity among communities, striving for harmony in a time of conflict. Later in life, he was appointed Vicar General of his order for a period of five years, during which time he worked hard at reforms. The last two years of his life were spent traveling, preaching, and saving many souls. Six years after his death in 1444, Father Bernardine was canonized a saint.

Saint Bernardine, pray for us, that we will always seek to glorify the Holy Name of Jesus in our lives, and through us, God will inspire many others to do the same. 

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Most High Servant,

Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love (Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)