May 20th - Bernadine of Sienna

 

Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Bernadine of Sienna, a Franciscan saint, who was born Sept. 8^th, 1380. When he was only seven years old, he lost both of his parents and was thereafter raised by relatives. As a boy, he used to share his food with the poor. He attended the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with edifying devotion, and listened to sermons with such attention that he could repeat them to his companions. He loved purity above all virtues. When any indecent conversation was going on among his companions, they would stop when they saw him coming. Even though, he was very meek, he would become very angry if decency was violated. Once a prominent citizen purposely told something indecent and the little Bernadine slapped him in the face, causing many to laugh, and the citizen to walk away embarrassed.

With his great love for purity, he had a tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin, whom he used to call his beloved. Out of devotion to Mary, he daily visited Her image just outside of town and especially prayed there to learn his vocation. The Mother of Grace, who had protected Him in the world, now led him to a friary. He received the habit as a Franciscan, on the feast of the Nativity of Mary.

Even though his voice was weak and hoarse, the Blessed Mother helped him. At Her intercession, his voice suddenly became powerful and so became known for his missionary preaching. He journeyed all over Italy to announce virtues and vices. He was so successful that Pope Pius II called him a second St. Paul. After he had shaken their hearts, with stern truths, he poured into them, the soothing oil of the sweet name of Jesus.

He said, “The name of Jesus is the glory of preachers, because the shining splendor of that name, causes His word to be proclaimed and heard. And how do you think such an immense, sudden and dazzling light of faith came into the world, if not because Jesus, was preached?”

Today, in imitation of St. Bernadine of Siena, let us repeat the sweet and dazzling name of Jesus, often on our lips. Jesus is a faithful friend, beyond price. Jesus is a sturdy shelter and a life-saving remedy, for He is our Savior. And may we also imitate St. Bernadine’s love of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and visit Her images often beseeching Her to help us to proclaim Jesus to those around us.