Bernardino of Siena

Saint Bernardino of Siena (sometimes Bernardine) (September 8 1380 – May 20, 1444) was an Italian preacher, Franciscan missionary and Christian saint famous for the liveliness and effectiveness of his sermons, which stretched out for hours.

Early life

He was born in 1380 in Massa, Italy to the noble Albizeschi family. He was orphaned at an early age and raised by a pious aunt. On the completion of his education he spent some years in the service of the sick in the hospitals.

Related Topics:
1380 - Massa - Italy

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While he was studying in his native city, he worked in hospitals through the bubonic plague outbreak in 1400 and even urged other young men to stay and help. He thus caught the plague, of which he nearly died.

Related Topics:
Bubonic plague - 1400 - Plague

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In 1402 or 1404, he joined the Franciscan order in the strict branch called Observant, of which he became one of the chief promoters. after studying at Siena and donating all his possessions to the poor. He was reported to cure a Sienese lady of impurity by striking her and driving the demon from her body. He then moved on to preach at Milan in 1418 before traveling to perform evangelical preaching in neighboring cities in the next four years.

Related Topics:
1402 - 1404 - Franciscan - Milan - 1418

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