Siena, Bernardine of, Saint
Siena, Bernardine of, Saint
Confessor , the apostle of Italy , born Massa, Italy , 1380 ; died Aquila, Italy , 1444 . In 1397 he completed a course in civil and canon law , whereupon he joined the Confraternity of Our Lady, connected with the hospital of Santa Maria della Scala, ministered to the plague-stricken, and distributed his fortune among the poor. He joined the Friars Minor at Siena, 1402 , was ordained, 1404 , and began his missionary career at Milan, 1417 . The fame of his eloquence spread and he gained influence over the leading Italian cities. He is responsible for the popular devotion to the Holy Name. Emblem : chrism. Canonized , 1450 . Relics in Franciscan church, Aquila. Feast , 20 May .