St. Bernardine of Siena was like a human dynamo who took on the needs of his world in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. He was considered the greatest preacher of his time, journeying across Italy, calming strife-torn cities, attacking the paganism he found rampant, attracting crowds of 30,000 people at a time. Often compared to St. Paul, St. Bernardine had a keen intuition of the needs of his time, along with solid holiness, and boundless energy and joy. He accomplished all this despite having a very weak and hoarse voice, miraculously improved later because of his strong devotion to Mary.
When he was only 20, the plague was at its height in his hometown of Siena. Sometimes, as many as 20 people died in one day at the hospital. Bernardine offered to run the hospital and, with the help of other young men, nursed patients there for four months. He escaped the plague, but was so exhausted that a fever confined him for several months. (Perhaps he can serve as a fitting role model and inspiration for all of us who are exhausted, physically or psychologically, these days.) He spent another year caring for a beloved aunt. At 22, he entered the Franciscan Order and was ordained to the priesthood two years later. For almost a dozen years he lived in solitude and prayer, but his gifts ultimately caused him to be sent to preach. He always traveled on foot, sometimes speaking for hours in one place, then doing the same in another town.
Especially known for his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, Bernardine devised a symbol—IHS, the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek. He hoped this would displace the superstitious symbols of the day, as well as serve to unite the people of the Church. The devotion spread, and the symbol began to appear in churches, homes, and public buildings. Opposition arose from those who thought it a dangerous innovation and three attempts were made to have the pope take action against him. However, Bernardine’s holiness, orthodoxy, and intelligence were evidence of his faithfulness.
There is danger if we see only the whirlwind of activity in Bernardine’s life—taking care of the sick, preaching, studying, administering, always on the move—and forget the source of his energy: Jesus the Lord.
Let us pray.
Father, you gave St. Bernardine a special love for the Holy Name of Jesus.
By the help of his prayers, may we always be alive with the spirit of your love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
For more: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-bernardine-of-siena-462
