(1380–1444)

September 7, 1380, was both the birthday of Saint Bernardino Albizesca and the day he received the Sacrament of Baptism. He lost his mother when he was three years old and his father before he was six. He was then raised and carefully educated by a devout aunt.

With charity and compassion for the poor, he willingly dedicated himself to serving the sick at the Hospital of Our Lady of Scala in Siena.

On September 8, 1402, recognizing the call of God, he sold all his possessions and entered the Franciscan Order. Later, he was ordained a priest and was entrusted by his superiors with the mission of preaching.

Although he knew he had limited ability, he placed all his trust in the help of God and overcame many difficulties. He traveled through cities and villages, and his preaching, together with his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, attracted many people to listen and to turn back to God.

He helped restore the life of faith and good moral customs that had been declining. He remained zealous and devoted to his mission until he became seriously ill.

Before his death, he asked to receive the final Sacraments and surrendered his soul into God’s hands in the city of Aquila. He died at the age of 66, on the Feast of Pentecost in the year 1444.