Bernardine Albizzeschi was born in Massa Marittima, in the territory of Siena, in 1380. By the age of twenty-two, when he donned the Franciscan habit, he already had a solid classical, philosophical, legal, and theological education and was a pious person. He was ordained a priest after two years and dedicated himself to study and preaching.
During the first fifteen years, his preaching did not stand out extraordinarily; however, in the last years of his life, as he traveled through central and northern Italy, he inspired people with his skillful yet simple apostolic sermons. One of his main themes was the Holy Name of Jesus, which he had painted or engraved on small tablets in the well-known abbreviation IHS, surrounded by rays of fire and light. He would give these tablets to be kissed after his sermons, which led to accusations of superstitious practices; however, he was absolved of these accusations, and Pope Eugene IV recommended his preaching.
He was one of the main promoters of the Observant Franciscan reform and served as their vicar general. He died in 1444 and was canonized six years later. His body rests in Aquila—the city where he died—in the magnificent tomb created by Silvestro di Giacomo (completed between 1500-1505). Bernardine left behind many written works; some of them are based on notes taken by his listeners. He is the patron saint of Italian publicists.
