May 20: Saint Bernardine of Siena

St. Bernardine of Siena

History

Even though Bernardine was very good at caring for sick people, he did not know if that was what God wanted him to do. He fasted and prayed until he realized he should join the Franciscans. The Franciscans were missionary preachers, but Bernardine’s voice was weak and hoarse, so he spent his first 12 years praying that God would prepare him for mission work. The first time he preached, his voice was so strong and commanding, everybody loved what he had to say. Pope Pius II compared him to the Apostle Paul, too. Bernardine preached until he died peacefully when he was almost 64 years old. 

Activity 

One of the things that Saint Bernadine loved to preach about most was the name of Jesus. In fact, the Church thinks that he is the one that invented the "IHS" symbol that you see in so many churches. In Greek, the letters "IHS" are the first three letters of Jesus' name. Today, make an IHS sign to hang in your bedroom. Here's a simple coloring page, a fancy one, and one with a decorative cross. 

Saint Bernadine of Siena, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia

American Catholic

Catholic Online