Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Writers
Saint Bernardine of Siena
Priest and religious († 1444) Feast: May 20
Bernardine is best known as a preacher, not a writer, but it was his written works that vindicated him against influential critics.
Bernardine was born into a noble Italian family, but his parents died when he was small. He was raised by a pious aunt and became known as a sweet boy who only lost his temper when he heard people blaspheme. During a time of plague, he gathered his friends to personally care for the sick. After his aunt died, the young man decided that God was calling him to become a Franciscan priest.
He lived quietly among his brothers for more than a decade. Then the words of another friar convinced Bernardine that God was calling him to preach. With his superiors’ permission, he began a preaching tour, which lasted for the rest of his life and covered almost all the towns of Italy. His sermons and personal witness brought about many conversions. However, his emphasis on the Holy Name of Jesus caused some to accuse him of promoting a novel superstition. When he was brought before the pope to answer for these charges, he brought copies of his sermons and theological writings, which quickly established his orthodoxy. Bernardine’s works, though difficult to find in translation, include letters, sermons, and theological essays on many subjects.
Holy Name of Jesus, grant us a greater love of your Name and a greater trust in your promises.
