Born in Italy late in the 14th century, he was the son of a local Governor but by the time he was six, both his parents had died. 

Raised by an Aunt who had a great love for The Lord, Bernardino grew up with a devotion to The Blessed Mother, and the Name of Jesus. 

As a young man, he studied law and joined The Confraternity of Our Lady while helping out at a local hospital. 

Around the year 1400, Sienna was hit with a plague. There were days when as many as twenty people died at that hospital, but Barnardin worked tirelessly to help those who were sick and near death, eventually running the hospital. 

In 1403 he joined the Friars Minor and the next year he was ordained, becoming the most dynamic preacher of his day. 

For the next thirty years, he spoke to large crowds all over Italy, at times to as many as thirty thousand people. 

He designed a symbol in honor of The Name of Jesus, IHS, the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek, and had them emblazoned over a Sun. 

The symbol immediately became popular, appearing in many homes and businesses, but some considered it heresy and he was called to Rome to stand trial. 

Bernadin was found innocent and Pope Martin V was so impressed he asked him to stay and preach in Rome, which did, for the next 80 consecutive days. 

He died on this day while traveling, and preaching, in 1444. 

St. Bernardino, please pray for us.