Homily: St. Bernardine of Sienna (2021) “Humble, but Intellectual”
Homily: St. Bernardine of Sienna (2021) “Humble, but Intellectual”
St. Bernardine of Sienna lived in Italy from (1380-1444). He had great devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. He popularized the “IHS” symbol for the name of Jesus. The symbol either represents the first two letters of Jesus’ name in Greek, or it represents the Latin words which mean “Jesus Savior of Humanity.”
Bernadine was born near Sienna. His father was the governor. He was left orphaned at six years old. He was raised by an aunt. He had a broad-based education including a degree in Canon Law. He became a Franciscan in 1402. He embraced the vocation of being a friar and he became a traveling preacher.
He traveled across Italy sometimes preaching sermons that would last three or four hours. He had to speak in the open air because he attracted so many who wanted to listen to him. His sermons focused on penance and voluntary poverty.
He also wrote Theological articles and established schools for his fellow Franciscans. He had a different attitude toward learning than did St. Francis. Francis thought that a Theological education could make a Franciscan proud. St. Bernardine thought that ignorance was as dangerous to a friar as riches.
Bernardine turned down three episcopal appointments. The thought at the time, among many religious orders, was that it was vain to embrace ecclesial titles. Bernardine eventually resigned all leadership in the Observant Franciscans and spent the remainder of his life traveling around Italy evangelizing.
It was said once that he was the most influential person in Italy. When he died, miracles began to happen in Aquila where he was buried. Bernadine was canonized only 6 years after his death.
Reflection Questions:
- Francis felt that higher education often caused people to be proud and was a barrier to holiness. Was he right?
- Bernadine believed education was a way of growing in holiness. Was he right?
Dear Parishioners,
We are looking for a receptionist to work in our office part time. If you or someone you know would like to apply, please contact our office for an application. We would like to conduct interviews as soon as possible.
The receptionist needs to be friendly and able to work with people. We would also like them to have computer skills. They would be doing some secretarial work, entering sacramental records, and doing the scheduling of mass intentions. We would also like them to work with our WEB page and Facebook posts.
If someone you know might qualify, please encourage them to call Sacred Heart.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark