St. Bernardino of Siena
Feast 05-20 · Canonized 1450
Patron of
About
Bernardino was born in 1380 in Massa Marittima, near Siena, Italy. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by relatives and studied canon law before joining the Franciscan Order in 1402. During a plague outbreak in Siena he helped care for the sick, and he later became one of the most famous preachers of his age.
Bernardino traveled across Italy drawing enormous crowds, calling for repentance, peace between warring factions, and devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. He promoted the IHS monogram as a symbol of that devotion, and his skill at holding an audience's attention made him a master of public persuasion.
He died on May 20, 1444, and was canonized just six years later. Because of his eloquence and his work promoting the IHS symbol, he is honored as the patron saint of advertisers, public relations workers, and communications professionals.
Prayer
St. Bernardino, who held crowds spellbound with the Holy Name of Jesus and carried the IHS monogram through Italy, pray for advertisers and all who communicate, that their words may always serve truth and the glory of God. Amen.