May 20th - St. Bernadine of Siena

Today’s saint of the day is Saint Bernardine of Siena. He had a weak and hoarse voice along with respiratory issues which eventually was miraculously improved later because of his great devotion to Mary. When he was 20, a plague was at its height in his hometown of Siena. Sometimes as many as 20 people died in one day at the hospital. Bernardine offered to run the hospital and with the help of other young men, nurses patients there for four months. He escaped the plague, but was so exhausted that a fever confined him for several months. At age 22, he angered the Franciscan Order and was ordained 2 years later. For almost a dozen years he lived in solitude and prayer, but his gifts ultimately caused him to be sent to preach. He always traveled on foot, sometimes speaking for hours in one place, then doing the same in another town. He died while traveling to his next place to preach.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

St. Bernardine of Siena, you were healed of respiratory illness and preached the love and mercy of God everywhere you went. I come to you now seeking your prayers for everyone in the world who suffer with respiratory illnesses. Help us stay faithful and safe during this time of caution and confinement. Amen