St. Bernardine of Siena - Patron of Publicity Agents - May 20th
Bernardine was the son of an Italian governor. Before he was seven years old, his father and mother died, but his good aunt brought him up, and his uncle gave him a good education. He grew to be a tall, handsome boy who was so much fun that all his friends loved to be with him. Yet they knew better than to use any impure words when he was around, for he would not stand for it. Twice when an evil man tried to lead him into sin, Bernardine punched him in the face and sent him running with stones flying after him!
The Saint had a special love for the Blessed Mother, and it was she who kept him pure. Even when he was a teenager, he would talk to her in prayer, as a child talks with his mother. For the poor, he felt pity, and once, when his aunt had not extra food to give a beggar, Bernardine cried, “I’d rather go without food myself than leave that poor man with none!”
Bernardine became a Franciscan priest and soon began his life’s work of preaching. At first, his voice was so hoarse and weak that he could not be heard well. He prayed to Our Lady to change it, and it became clear and strong. Before every sermon, Bernardine read the Holy Bible and prayed before the crucifix. Then after he preached, he knelt again before the crucifix to pray for himself and for those who had listened to him.
In those days, bad habits were ruining both young and old people. “How can I save these lost people by myself?” the Saint cried to the Lord. “With what weapons can I fight the devil?” And God answered, “My holy Name will be enough for you.” So Bernardine spread devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. He used this Name a great many times in every sermon and had people put it over the gates of the cities, over their doorways-everywhere. With this devotion and devotion to the Blessed Mother, this great Saint converted thousands of people all over Italy.
Let us invoke the Holy Name of Jesus very often. We will realize how powerful it is against every danger we may face.