St. Bernard of Corleone, How the Crucifix can be our Prayer Book – Jan 12 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 12, 2026, sharing how St. Bernard of Corleone, an illiterate Capuchin Franciscan, achieved profound prayer by speaking from his heart to God while meditating on the crucifix, emphasizing that books are helpful but not essential for genuine, heartfelt conversation with the Lord.

In this homily, Father commemorates St. Bernard of Corleone, a 17th-century Sicilian Franciscan lay brother who was illiterate but became a master of prayer. Despite suggestions to learn to read spiritual books, St. Bernard discerned in prayer that meditating on Christ's passion through the crucifix was enough. Father explains that true prayer is a heart-to-heart talk with God, sharing thoughts, feelings, and resolutions inspired by the cross—whether joyful or dry. Books can aid us, but they don't pray for us; we must open our souls fully, mess and all, to let God bring order. This affective prayer, like that of Franciscan saints and Our Lady, is what forms saints and is accessible to everyone with honest effort.

For Further Reading
Luke 2:19 - Mary ponders in heart - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?19
Luke 2:51 - Treasuring words within - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?51
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2700-2724 - Expressions of prayer - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2700.htm
St. Bernard of Corleone - Vatican - https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20010610_ber-da-corleone_en.html
Video - Bl. Bernard of Corleone - Franciscan Saint of the Day - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxpj2FgykAM

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Bernard of Corleone - Opt Mem - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_of_Corleone
Readings: Monday 1st Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011226.cfm
1st: 1sa 1:1-8
Resp: psa 116:12-19
Gsp: mar 1:14-20

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=592&r=1565

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