Bernardino

(1380–1444)

   Saint and Cult Founder.

   Bernardino was born in Massa di Carrera, Italy. As a young man he joined the Franciscan Observantine Order and was elected Vicar-General in 1438. In addition to doing much to reform the order, he was one of the most famous preachers of his time. He travelled on foot all over Italy and attracted huge crowds. As a result of his reputation, numbers in the order greatly increased and he set up new schools of theology in Perugia and Monteripido. He is particularly remembered for his encouragement of the cult of the Holy Name of Jesus. He was canonised only six years after his death.

   J.R.H. Moorman, A History of the Franciscan Order from its Origins to the Year 1517 (1968);

   I. Origo, The World of San Bernardino (1963).