May. 20 Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter; Opt. Mem. of St. Bernardine of Siena, Priest, Opt. Mem.
The Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444). Bernardine left the world at an early age in order to lead a hermit's life. When he was twenty-two, he entered the Franciscan Order, one of whose glories he is. Having been made General of the Order, he resigned this charge in order to devote himself to preaching. He preached the name of Jesus with such love that it wrought the transformation of many souls. He was instrumental in effecting many conversions. He died at Aquilea, in the midst of his missionary labors, on May 20, 1444, and was canonized six years later.
