St. Bernardine of Siena

Patron Saint of Advertising

St. Bernardine of Siena was a dynamic Franciscan preacher who lived from 1380 to 1444. When he was 20, he gathered a group of men to help him volunteer at a hospital during the plague. From this experience of service, Bernardine decided to join the Franciscans. After initially spending his time as a religious in solitude, he felt called to preach. He became known as one of the most influential preachers in his day. Whereas most preachers would read off a script, Bernardine would preach directly to the experiences of the everyday life of people. As part of his preaching, he promoted devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, especially through designing the “IHS” symbol which is still depicted in art to this day.