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| | Madonna and Child between Saint Francis
and Saint Bernardine of Siena
(Benozzo Gozzoli, 1450, Fresco,
San Fortunato, Montefalco) | |
Saint Bernardine of Siena gave his all when it came to helping others and spreading God's word.
During the beginning of the 15th century, a massive plague hit Siena. A Saint Bernardine and his friends went to the largest hospital in the city and offered help. He and his team worked daily until the late hours assisting patients and attending to other hospital duties. Many of the hospital staff themselves became sick.
Toward the end of the epidemic, Bernardine became ill, too, with exhaustion. He recovered soon after and tended to his invalid aunt with the utmost compassion.
After Saint Bernardine's aunt died, he immersed himself in prayer and fasting in order to find out God's path for him. Soon Saint Bernardine joined the Franciscans and was eventually ordained a priest.
Thought he didn't start out as a great preacher, with practice and prayer Saint Bernadine's sermons throughout Italy are said to have influenced the repentance and conversion of hundreds of thousands.
Saint Bernardine died at 64. Pope Pius II referred to him as a second Paul.
