St. Bernadine Preached the Powerful Name of Jesus – May 20 – Homily – Fr Michael

St. Bernadine of Siena was born in 1380 in Massa, Italy. Raised with deep love for the Lord and the Blessed Virgin, he practiced outstanding charity and chastity. As a youth he blushed at impure speech and once slapped a prominent citizen telling a vulgar joke. He entered the Franciscan order and, despite a raspy voice, received a miraculous clear and melodic tone through Our Lady’s intercession on his first obligatory preaching day. He traveled on foot, preaching in town squares and always displaying the IHS monogram he popularized, meaning Jesu Hominum Salvator. He taught that the name of Jesus carries power because it is united to the person of God made man. Demons flee and sinners convert when the name is invoked by those living the commandments. Stories of failed exorcisms, including one involving Jewish rabbis and another aided by St. Michael the Archangel, illustrate that devotion and faithful practice are required. Bernadine died in 1444 at age 64 and was canonized within six years for his tireless mission of proclaiming the holy name.

Franciscan Media – Biography of great Franciscan preacher https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bernardine-of-siena

NAB – Philippians on Jesus exalted name https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/2?10

CC on name of Jesus https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/435.htm

CCC on invoking Holy Name https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/2666.htm

CCC on respecting God's name https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/2143.htm

NAB – Acts account of failed exorcism https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/19?13

00:00 - Introduction to St. Bernadine of Siena
00:47 - His Zeal for Purity and Virtue
02:20 - Personal Reflections on Holiness
03:05 - The Miracle of His Preaching Voice
04:08 - The Holy Name of Jesus and the IHS Monogram
06:11 - The Power of the Holy Name
07:09 - Faith and Spiritual Authority
09:47 - Conclusion and Legacy of St. Bernadine