Born in 1380, San Bernardino of Siena was a Franciscan priest and missionary. He is sometimes known as the apostle of Italy for his evangelization efforts to renew the Catholic faithful of Italy in the 15th century. His great skills at oratory and communication earn him the title of patron saint of advertisers and advertising. He preached under his own banner, with the initials IHS, which stands for Iesus Hominum Salvator (“Jesus, Savior of men” in Latin), associated with the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. When he was on mission to different cities in Italy, he would carried the monogram of the Holy Name of Jesus with him. He was bless the sick with this symbol, with great miracles of healing reported. At the close of his preaching, he would hold up this symbol to the faithful and asked them to prostrate themselves in adoration of the redeemer of humanity. He advocated for the Catholic faithful to have this monogram of Jesus placed over the gates of their cities and above the doors of their houses to remind them always of the blessings they have from their Lord and Savior. He died in 1444. Besides being remembered for his great preaching and this monogram of Jesus’ name, he is also remembered for the works he work on the philosophy of economics, addressing topics such as the justification of private property, the ethics of trade, the determination of value and price, and charging interest on a loan.
In just a few days, we will mark an end to the holy season of Easter with the celebration of Pentecost. Today, in the continuing story of the Early Church from Acts, we hear a continuation of Paul’s speech to the people of Ephesus. Paul is getting ready to go back to Jerusalem where he knows he will face many challenges. Paul informs the community leaders in Ephesus that they, too, will face opposition in their ministry. Paul specifically says that he knows that after his departure, “savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock.” Paul’s farewell to the community at Ephesus is very emotional for him. As he and the members of the community weep and hug each other, they know that they won’t see each other again.
May the saints and Mothers and Fathers of our faith continue to inspire us and encourage us. We unite our prayers today with the prayers of St Bernardino of Siena and St Paul.
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