Bernardino contributed much to the growth in numbers and spirit of the Friars of the Strict Observance.
Background
He was born in 1380 in the Tuscan town of Massa Marittima. He was a handsome, well-educated youth, altruistic to the point of risking his life to serve the plague-stricken.
He died in 1944 near Naples and was canonized in 1450, May 20 being the day assigned for his feast.
Career
He joined the Franciscans in 1402 and, after years of preparation, began, in 1416, missionary activities that covered most of Italy, preaching constantly, spreading devotion to the Holy Name, curbing immorality, and dissolving the feuds of Guelphs and Ghibellines. Elected vicar-general of the Observants, he resigned the office in 1442.