May 20th: St. Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)
One Minute Meditation
This holy Franciscan priest had a particularly great love for the virtue of purity. It was only natural that he also had a most tender and deep love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was a gifted preacher who also spread the devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus and is often depicted holding a sun-like staff with the “IHS” engraved on it.
PRAYER:
O Lord Jesus, who didst grant to St. Bernadine, Thy confessor, a very special love for Thy most holy Name, pour forth in us, we beseech Thee, through his merits and intercession, the spirit of Thy love. Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
St. Bernardine, help us to seek purity in our hearts and souls, in our words and in our deeds. May we grow in our love for Our Blessed Lady and for Our Lord, Jesus Christ, whose sacred Name we venerate.
