Saint Bernardine of Siena (1444)

Saint Bernardine of Siena was born in 1380. He became a Franciscan when he was twenty-two years old. He was one of the greatest missionary priests of the fifteenth century. His especial devotion was to the Holy Name of Jesus, which he insisted that everyone should say devoutly, reverently and with the bending of one’s head. He openly rebuked anyone who dared use the Holy Name of Jesus in profanity. Everywhere Saint Bernardine went, he carried a banner with the monogram IHS on it. Saint Bernardine was canonized six years after he died. The four great apostles of the Holy Name of Jesus are: Saint Bernardine of Siena, Saint John of Capistrano (whose feast day is March 28), Saint Ignatius of Loyola (who called the Order which he founded the Society of Jesus, and whose feast day is July 31) and Saint John Colombini (whose feast is also July 31) who founded an Order whose members went about constantly and reverently and audibly invoking the Holy Name of Jesus.

Saint Bernardino of Siena by Jacopo Bellini, c. 1450-55, tempera and gold on wood, private collection (details)

Saint Bernardino of Siena by Jacopo Bellini, c. 1450-55,
tempera and gold on wood, private collection (details)