At this season of the year, when Jesus by His triumph has realized His name of Saviour, the Cycle celebrates the Feast of St. Bernardine who was consumed "by the very ardent love of this divine name" (Collect).Born of a noble family of Siena, St. Bernardine renounced all his possessions. He kept his chastity intact, in spite of the dangers to which his handsome features exposed him. The Church applies to him the words of Holy Scripture: "He had it in his power to violate the commandment of God, and he did not violate it" (Epistle). "Not placing his hope in money and treasures" (Ibid.) he left all, to follow Christ (Gospel), and entered the Order of St. Francis, one of whose glories he is. Travelling through towns and villages, everywhere he preached the name of Jesus (Collect) and thereby wrought many miracles.
St. Peter Celestine appeared to him to warn him of his approaching end which came on Ascension Eve, in 1444.
Let us ask God to grant us, through the intercession and merits of St. Bernardine, a great love for the name of Jesus and thereby to kindle in us the flame of divine charity (Collect).
Os justi meditabitur sapientiam, et lingua ejus loquetur judicium; lex Dei ejus in corde ipsius. * Noli aemulari in malignantibus: neque zelaveris facientes iniquitatem.
The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgement: the law of his God is in his heart. * Be not emulous of evildoers: nor envy them that work iniquity.
(Psalm 36:30-31,1 from the Introit of Mass)
Domine Jesu, qui beato Bernardino, Confessori tuo, eximium sancti nominis tui amorem tribuisti: ejus, quaesumus, meritis et intercessione, spiritum nobis tuae dilectionis benignus infunde.
O Lord Jesus, who didst imbue blessed Bernardine, Thy confessor, with wondrous love of Thy name, we beseech Thee, by his merits and intercession, graciously to pour into our souls the spirit of Thy love.
(Collect)
From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02505b.htm
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