Feastday: May 20
When did St. Bernardino of Siena live: in the fourteenth and fifteenth century
Biography of St. Bernardino of Siena:
St. Bernardino was born in Massa Marittina (Italy) and was mainly a priest, preacher and a Franciscan missionary. He is often called "the Apostle of Italy" for his great influence on the rebirth of Italy's faith during the 15th century. The main topics of his preaching were gambling, homosexuality and usury. St. Bernardino died in 1444 in Aquila (Italy) and was canonized by Pope Nicholas V in 1450.
Patronage: St. Bernardino of Siena is patron saint of California, gamboling addicts, advertising, chest problems, public relations work and public relations personnel and of Italy and Bernalda
Statues and wooden sculptures made in Val Gardena of St. Bernardino of Siena- representation, imagery and emblem: St. Bernardino is shown as a Franciscan monk with a cross and a book, holding the IHS monogram with rays emanating from it in his left hand.