St. Bernardine of Siena Novena Prayers

St. Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan priest and renowned preacher, is celebrated for his fervent devotion to spreading the Gospel and his innovative use of devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.

About St. Bernardine of Siena

Most of the saints suffer great personal opposition, even persecution. Bernardine, by contrast, seems more like a human dynamo who simply took on the needs of the world.

He was the greatest preacher of his time, journeying across Italy, calming strife-torn cities, attacking the paganism he found rampant, attracting crowds of 30,000, following Saint Francis of Assisi’s admonition to preach about “vice and virtue, punishment and glory.”

Compared with Saint Paul by the pope, Bernardine had a keen intuition of the needs of the time, along with solid holiness and boundless energy and joy. He accomplished all this despite having a very weak and hoarse voice, miraculously improved later because of his devotion to Mary.

When he was 20, the 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, nursed patients there for four months.

He escaped the plague, but was so exhausted that a fever confined him for several months. He spent another year caring for a beloved aunt whose parents had died when he was a child, and at her death began to fast and pray to know God’s will for him.

At 22, he entered the Franciscan Order and was ordained two 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.

Especially known for his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, Bernardine devised a symbol—IHS, the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek—in Gothic letters on a blazing sun. This was to displace the superstitious symbols of the day, as well as the insignia of factions: for example, Guelphs and Ghibellines.

The devotion spread, and the symbol began to appear in churches, homes and public buildings. Opposition arose from those who thought it a dangerous innovation. Three attempts were made to have the pope take action against him, but Bernardine’s holiness, orthodoxy, and intelligence were evidence of his faithfulness.

General of the Friars of the Strict Observance, a branch of the Franciscan Order, Bernardine strongly emphasized scholarship and further study of theology and canon law. When he started there were 300 friars in the community; when he died there were 4,000. He returned to preaching the last two years of his life, dying while traveling.

Why Pray the St. Bernardine of Siena Novena?

Praying the St. Bernardine of Siena Novena offers a meaningful way to seek his intercession for personal transformation and spiritual growth. Known for his passionate preaching and deep devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, St. Bernardine inspires believers to cultivate a closer relationship with God and share their faith with others.

This novena encourages participants to reflect on their own lives, fostering a spirit of repentance and renewal. By invoking his guidance, individuals can find strength in their spiritual journeys, particularly in times of uncertainty or doubt. Ultimately, the novena serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of living out the Gospel in everyday life.

St. Bernardine of Siena Novena Prayers

Novena to St. Bernardine of Siena is a nine-day prayer experience designed to deepen your faith, strengthen your relationship with God, and seek the powerful intercession of St. Bernardine of Siena.

You can pray the St. Bernardine of Siena Novena for any intention!

St. Bernardine of Siena Novena Day 1

Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Jesus, Name full of glory, grace, love and strength!
You are the refuge of those who repent,
our banner of warfare in this life,
the medicine of souls,
the comfort of those who mourn,
the delight of those who believe,
the light of those who preach the true faith,
the wages of those who toil,
the healing of the sick.
To You our devotion aspires;
by You our prayers are received;
we delight in contemplating You.
O Name of Jesus,
You are the glory of all the saints for eternity.
Amen.
St. Bernardine, Pray for us!