Bernardino of Siena
Biographical Details:
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Biography:
Bernardino of Siena, born in 1380 in Massa Marittima, Italy, was a Franciscan friar renowned for his powerful oratory skills and his influence on Italian society and religious life in the early Renaissance. Orphaned young, Bernardino was raised by his aunt and pursued religious studies in Siena, joining the Franciscan order at age 22. Known for his deep devotion and zeal, he began his ministry as a preacher during a time of widespread corruption, poverty, and political instability in Italy. Bernardino’s sermons were captivating and persuasive, addressing not only theological issues but also the pressing social problems of his day, such as usury, gambling, and vanity. He preached in public squares to vast audiences, and his charisma led to numerous conversions and reforms.
A staunch supporter of reform within the Franciscan Order, Bernardino promoted a return to the strict observance of Franciscan poverty and simplicity, which gained him a following but also brought controversy. He became closely associated with the devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, using the monogram “IHS” as a symbol to promote unity and peace, which eventually spread across Europe. Despite facing accusations of heresy due to his popularity and bold teachings, Bernardino was eventually exonerated by the Church and went on to play a role in shaping Christian iconography and symbolism.
Bernardino declined offers for several bishoprics, preferring to dedicate himself fully to preaching and reform. His impact on Italian spirituality was profound, leaving a legacy of moral and religious renewal. Bernardino died in 1444, shortly after establishing a Franciscan reform community in L’Aquila, Italy. He was canonized six years later, in 1450, and remains celebrated as a major figure in Catholic history for his role in the religious and social revival of 15th-century Italy.
Extant Writings:
•Sermones de Christo
•Sermones de Sanctis
•Sermones de tempore
•Quadragesimale de christiana religione
•Quadragesimale de evangelio aeterno
Quotes and Excerpts:
On Mary’s Holiness:
“The Virgin Mary was sanctified in her mother’s womb and filled with the Holy Spirit from the first moment of her existence.” –Sermons on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sermon III.
“She is the most perfect work of God, the masterpiece of His hands, and the fulfillment of all His designs.” –Sermons on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sermon IV.
“Mary is the purest mirror of divine holiness, reflecting the light of her Son to the world.” – De Laudibus Virginis Matris (The Praises of the Virgin Mother), Chapter II.
On Mary’s Assumption:
“Mary, because of her singular holiness and divine motherhood, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory.” –Sermons on the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Sermon I.
“As Christ ascended to the heavens by His own power, so Mary was assumed by His divine will, that she might reign with Him forever.” –Sermons on the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Sermon II.
On Mary’s Queenship:
“The Virgin Mary reigns as Queen of Heaven, crowned by her divine Son as the reward for her perfect obedience and love.” –De Laudibus Virginis Matris, Chapter IV.
“Just as the moon receives all its light from the sun, so Mary, Queen of Heaven, receives all her glory from Christ.” –Sermons on the Queenship of Mary, Sermon III.
“She is the Queen of Mercy, dispensing grace to all who invoke her with trust.” –Sermons on the Queenship of Mary, Sermon II.
On Mary as Mediatrix:
“All graces flow from Christ the Head to His members through Mary, the neck of the Mystical Body.” – De Laudibus Virginis Matris, Chapter V.
“Mary intercedes for us with the authority of a mother, securing from her Son every grace we need for salvation.” –Sermons on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sermon V.
“In the ‘Hail Mary,’ all the mysteries of the Incarnation are summarized, and through Mary, all graces flow to mankind.” –De salutatione angelica, Sermon 52, a. I, c. I
“The Virgin Mary, conceived without sin, was prepared by God to be the bridge between heaven and earth, the Mediatrix of all graces.” –Prediche volgari sul Campo di Siena, 1427, Sermon I