Bernard of Corleone
| Saint Bernard of Corleone, O.F.M. Cap. | |
|---|---|
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| Born |
6 February 1605 Corleone, Sicily, Kingdom of Sicily |
| Died |
12 January 1667 Palermo, Sicily, Kingdom of Sicily |
| Venerated in | Franciscan Order |
| Beatified | 1767, Rome by Pope Clement XIII |
| Canonized | 10 June 2001, St. Peter's Square by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 12 January |
Saint Bernard of Corleone, O.F.M. Cap., is a Catholic saint who was born in the town of Corleone in the Kingdom of Sicily on 6 February 1605.[1] His name was Filippo Latino before becoming a friar.[2] His father was a shoemaker, and Bernard learned this trade. After the death of his father, he became a soldier and took up fencing, becoming skilled in the art. While in the army he displayed a fiery temper and was quick to challenge men to a duel. His only fault, in the words of two witnesses at his beatification process, was that "he was quick to draw his sword at the slightest provocation." [2] His life was not noted for its moral content and he had quite a reputation in the company.
Though not particularly devout, he would defend old people and other helpless and defenseless persons against violence. He frequently made visits to a local crucifix, and provided that a lamp be kept burning before it. He was a devotee of Saint Francis of Assisi. In 1624 when Filippo was 19, he became involved in a duel which cost his opponent his arm. This incident was witnessed by many and caused an uproar and Filippo was nicknamed "the finest blade in Sicily".[2] To escape from the man's avengers, he sought refuge with the Capuchin Franciscans.[3]
While staying with the friars, Bernard began to reflect on his past life and to repent of his life of anger and violence. He appealed for admission to the Capuchins as a lay brother, and on December 13, 1632 he entered their novitiate. His devotion became very severe: seven times a day he scourged himself, drawing blood. His sleep was limited to three hours a night on a narrow board, with a block of wood under his head. He fasted for the most part on bread and water. If other food was given to him, he would place the food in his mouth to whet his appetite, and then take it out without consuming it. During his entire religious life, he would wear the most worn habits available in the friary and slept in the most uncomfortable cell in the house. One result of this was that he suffered from rheumatism for much of his later life. He worked long hours during the day and had a special concern for the sick, growing into a man known for his gentleness and compassion.[3]
Bernard had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and encouraged others in this devotion. His biographers claim that Mary appeared to him and placed Jesus, as an infant, in his arms. It is also claimed that she gave him knowledge of the day of his death four months in advance. He died at Palermo on 12 January 1667, a few weeks short of his 62nd birthday.[3]
His funeral procession was extensive, due to his fame as a holy man. Numerous miracles reportedly occurring at his grave, and recorded by historians of the church, promoted the cause of his beatification by Pope Clement XIII in 1767 and later canonization by Pope John Paul II in 2001.[4]
References
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "article name needed". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton.
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