St. Bernadine Of Sienna Medal and Necklace

Sterling Silver St. Bernadine Of Sienna Medal and Necklace

14KT Gold Filled St. Bernadine Of Sienna Medal and Necklace

14KT Gold St Bernadine Of Sienna Medal

ST. BERNARDINE OF SIENA

Early life

St. Bernardine was born of the noble family of Albi-zeschi, at Masse, Italy, in 1380. When he was only three years old, he lost his mother, and his father, who was the chief magistrate of the town, died before Saint Bernardine turned seven. His maternal aunt cared for him for five years and instilled into his heart a spirit of fervor and piety, for which she herself was full of. Each Saturday, he fasted in honor of the Blessed Virgin. At seven years old, St. Bernardine’s uncle placed him in school in Siena. After completing his studies in philosophy, he studied civil and canon law, and the Sacred Scripture.

Caring for the sick

At the age of seventeen, St. Bernardine was enrolled in the Confraternity of Our Lady in the hospital of Scala, and for four years served the sick. In 1400, a dreadful pandemic spread in several sections of Italy. When it reached Siena, Bernardine persuaded twelve young men to assist him in caring for the sick and the dying. God preserved Bernardine, but upon his return home, he fell ill from a fever, which lasted four months. He recovered just in time to attend his blind and bed-ridden aunt. Upon her death fourteen months later, St. Bernardine retired to a house near the city. There in solitude, he fasted and prayed to learn God’s Will for him.

Preaching

Later, he entered the Franciscan Order of the Strict Observance at Columbaria, near Siena. He made his profession on September 8, 1404. His first sermon was preached on September 8, 1417, and he continued a successful career of preaching until his death. He was considered one of the foremost Italian missionaries of the 15th century. Everywhere he traveled, he preached devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. The popularity of this devotion is due in great measure to the burning zeal and eloquence of St. Bernardine. In 1427 he refused the position of bishopric of Siena, so as to be able to continue his service to a greater number of souls. In 1431, he likewise refused the bishopric of Ferrara, and in 1435 the bishop of Urbino.

Miracles

Amidst the greatest applause and honors, the most sincere humility was always shown in St. Bernardine’s words and actions, and he ever strove to conceal the talents with which God had enriched him. Nevertheless, God was pleased to honor His servant before men. He miraculously cured many lepers and other sick people, and it is claimed that he raised four dead persons to life. St. Bernardine was appointed Vicar-General of his Order in 1438, and was responsible for reviving discipline among the Franciscans. After five years he obtained a discharge from his office, and then continued his preaching career until he was stricken with fever, from which he died on May 20, 1444. When the news of his death spread abroad there was universal regret. “The star of Italy”, it was said, “had set; the Saint was dead.” Many miracles occurred at his tomb. St. Bernardine’s remains are kept in a crystal shrine, enclosed in one of silver, in the Franciscan church at Aquila. He was canonized by Pope Nicholas V in 1453.

St. Bernadine of Sienna Rosary
UPC: 617759040326
Brand: Bliss