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.

Work

Shortly after his profession the work of preaching was laid upon him, and for more than 30 years he preached with wonderful effect all over Italy, and played a great part in the religious revival of the beginning of the 15th century.

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His success was remarkable. Enormous crowds came to hear him speak. Feuds and factionalism was reconciled by his counsel, miracles took place, and donations to the Holy Name of Jesus (which he preached particularly) increased dramatically. Furthermore, "bonfires of vanities" were held at his sermon sites, and the people burned their sinful accouterments, such as playing cards, jewelry, and other luxuries. In 1425, he preached every day for seven weeks in Siena.

Related Topics:
Feud - Miracle - Jesus - Bonfires of vanities - 1425 - Siena

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In 1427 he was summoned to Rome to stand trial on charges of heresy, with theologians including Paulus Venetus present to give their opinions. Bernardino was found was found innocent of heresy, and he impressed Pope Martin V sufficiently that Martin requested he preach in Rome. He was acquitted and thereupon preached every day for 80 days.

Related Topics:
1427 - Rome - Heresy - Paulus Venetus - Pope Martin V

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That same year, he was offered and declined the bishopric of Siena in order to maintain his monastic and evangelical activities. In 1431, he toured Tuscany, Lombardy, Romagna, and Ancona before returning to Siena to prevent a war against Florence. Also in 1431, he declined the bishopric of Ferrara, and in 1435 he declined the bishopric of Urbino.

Related Topics:
Bishopric - 1431 - Tuscany - Lombardy - Romagna - Ancona - Ferrara - 1435 - Urbino

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Saint John Capistran was his friend, and Saint James of the Marches was his disciple during these years. Both Pope Martin V and Pope Eugenius IV were urged by their cardinals to condemn Bernadine, but both almost instantly restored him. Further, the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund sought Bernadine's counsel and intercession.

Related Topics:
Saint John Capistran - Saint James of the Marches - Pope Martin V - Pope Eugenius IV - Holy Roman Emperor - Sigismund

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In 1437 he became vicar-general of the Observant branch of the Franciscans.

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In 1438, Bernadine was elevated to vicar-general of the Franciscan Order in Italy. This cut back his opportunities to preach, but he continued to speak to the public when he could. He never retired from his evangelizing and preached up to the day of his death, on May 20 at Aquila in the Abruzzi. He was canonized in 1450; his feast day in the Roman Catholic Church is May 20.

Related Topics:
1438 - Italy - Aquila - Abruzzi - Canonized - Feast day - Roman Catholic Church - May 20

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