St. Bernardine of Siena

On May 20, 2025, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Bernardine of Siena, a significant figure in the history of the Franciscan Order and a champion of devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. His life and ministry in the 15th century were marked by a fervent preaching style and a deep commitment to reforming the clergy and laity alike, making his feast a reminder of the ongoing call to live out our faith boldly. As we find ourselves in the liturgical season after Epiphany, this feast emphasizes the revelation of Christ to the world and invites us to reflect on how we can share His love, much like St. Bernardine did.

The readings and prayers for this day invite families to ponder the virtues of wisdom, righteousness, and the true treasures of life that come from a relationship with God. The Introit from Psalm 36 highlights the importance of living justly and having God's law in our hearts, a theme echoed in the Epistle from Ecclesiasticus, which extols the happiness of the man who is free from greed. The Gospel reading from Matthew encourages us to contemplate the sacrifices made for the sake of following Christ and the eternal rewards that await those who do so. Families are invited to reflect on how they can cultivate a spirit of love, generosity, and faithfulness in their daily lives, drawing inspiration from St. Bernardine’s example of unwavering devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.

Historical Background and Life Story St. Bernardine of Siena was born in 1380 in Massa Marittima, Italy. Orphaned at a young age, he became a member of the Franciscan Order and dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel. His powerful sermons drew large crowds, and he traveled tirelessly throughout Italy, spreading God’s love and calling people to repentance.

Main Virtues and Spiritual Contributions St. Bernardine was known for his deep devotion to Jesus Christ and his compassionate heart for the poor and marginalized. He emphasized the importance of the Holy Name of Jesus, often using the acronym "IHS" in his preaching, which became a symbol of devotion in the Church. His emphasis on reconciliation and peace helped heal divisions in society during a tumultuous time in history.

Canonization and Significance to the Church Bernardine was canonized by Pope Nicholas V in 1450, just 25 years after his death, highlighting the impact of his life and ministry. He is recognized as a Doctor of the Church and is celebrated for his profound theological insights and his role in revitalizing the Franciscan mission, reminding the faithful of the importance of living out the Gospel in everyday life.

Lessons for Catholic Families Today Families today can learn from St. Bernardine’s example of humility, service, and love for others. His commitment to spreading the Good News encourages families to engage in acts of charity and to foster a spirit of forgiveness and unity within their homes and communities. By adopting his devotion to the Holy Name, families can deepen their prayer life and strengthen their bond with Christ.

Closing Prayer Dear St. Bernardine of Siena, intercede for us that we may embody the virtues of love, peace, and devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus in our families and communities. Amen.

On this feast of St. Bernardine of Siena, the readings invite us to reflect deeply on the themes of sacrifice, virtue, and eternal reward. In the Gospel from Matthew (19:27-29), Peter expresses the concern many of us might feel: after leaving everything behind to follow Jesus, what will we receive in return? Jesus reassures Peter that those who choose to follow Him will be rewarded a hundredfold and granted eternal life. This promise echoes the teaching found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, particularly in CCC 2016, which emphasizes that "the beatitudes depict the countenance of Jesus Christ and portray the attitudes and actions characteristic of the Christian life." Just as St. Bernardine exemplified these virtues through his life dedicated to preaching and devotion, we are called to reflect on how we embody these attitudes in our daily lives.

The Epistle from Ecclesiasticus (Sir 31:8-11) further resonates with the teachings in the Catechism, which speaks against greed and the pursuit of material wealth. For instance, CCC 2544 warns that "the desire for possessions is not in itself a sin," but it can lead us to forget what is truly important: our relationship with God and our commitment to each other. This message is crucial for families today, encouraging us to prioritize love and generosity over material gain. St. Bernardine’s life reminds us that true happiness comes from living out our faith boldly and sharing the love of Christ with others.

For practical application, families can take time this week to discuss what it means to follow Jesus in their daily lives. This could involve making a family commitment to perform acts of kindness for others, practicing gratitude for the gifts they have, and reflecting on how they can support each other in their faith journey. Together, they can explore ways to serve their community, especially those in need, embodying the virtues highlighted in today’s readings. By doing so, they not only honor the legacy of St. Bernardine but also cultivate a deeper understanding of the treasures that come from a life rooted in Christ, as outlined in CCC 1804, which teaches that "human virtues are firm attitudes, stable dispositions, habitual perfections of intellect and will" that lead us closer to God.