Roman Catholics will commemorate on Saturday, May 20, the life and works of Saint Bernardine (San Bernardino) of Siena, the foremost Italian missionary of the 15th century and one of the most widely venerated saints of the Catholic Church.
A concelebrated fiesta mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. at the St. Bernardine of Siena Parish in Cabusao, Camarines Sur.
The community mass will be celebrated at 5 a.m. Novena masses were held from May 11 to 19.
Popularly known as the Apostle of the Holy Name of Jesus, St. Bernardine was considered as the greatest and most influential preacher of his day. The revered Italian saint led a missionary life of one whom Pope Pius II called “a second Paul” because many listened to him and were convinced of his teachings and sermons in the same way during the time of St. Paul.
He was also known as the Apostle of Italy because of his efforts to revive the Catholic faith in Italy during the 15th century.
St. Bernardine said, “The name of preachers is the glory of the preachers.” At
the end of every sermon, he blesses the crowd while raising a tablet inscribed with the letters “J.H.S.” which stands for “Jesus Hominum Salvator” or “Jesus Man’s Savior.”
Born in Siena, Italy on September 8,1380, he joined the Franciscans of the Strict
Observance in 1403 and was ordained priest in 1404. In 1430, as the Vicar
General of the Observant Franciscans, he included the study of Theology and the Canon
of Law in the regular formation of priests. He died in 1444 and was canonized on May
24, 1450.
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