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Lives of the Saints:

How They Changed the World

Saint Bernardino of Siena (1380–1444)

Saint Bernardino of Siena (1380–1444)

Patron saint of advertising and public relations and against gambling and compulsive behavior

Feast day: May 20




Saint Bernardino was a Franciscan and a great preacher, traveling from town to town on foot, often preaching for hours to great crowds. A leader of his order, he established schools of theology for his monks. Even before Bernardino was a priest and preacher, he, with other young men in his hometown, offered to run the local hospital during the plague. Later he spent a year caring for a beloved aunt until she died. Bernardino spent time each day in prayer and reflection to stay connected with God, the source of his energy. (From Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens [Saint Mary’s Press]) (Image in public domain-100)