Sts. John Capistrano and Bernadine defends the veneration of Holy Name of Jesus, the Eternal King

St. Bernardine had incurred the enemity of the followers of Manfred of Vercelli – a goodman, but credulous – who taught that the end of the world was at hand. Bernadine had thought it necessary to preach and write against him, for, with his misplaced zeal he was leading many people astray, causing them to leave their homes and follow him about the country. When Bernadine arrived at Vercelli in 1427, to preach the lenten sermons, he recommended, according to his custom, devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, exhibiting for their veneration a tablet with the sacred monogram and encouraging the people to put it on their houses. This gave Manfred’s disciples an opportunity for revenge. They sent representatives to the Pope, charging the saint with teaching heresy and idolatry; and so plausibly did they present the accusation that the Pope was deceived. There were many preachers of strange doctrine abroad at the time, and so he was led to believe that Bernadine was one of them. The saint was forthwith summoned to Rome, and, on his arrival, was coldly received by the Pope, ordered to desist from preaching and to remain in the city until the case had been tried. Capistran was at Naples, whither he had gone, at the invitation of Joan II, to preach and to suppress the extortionate practices of the Jews. When the news arrived of his master’s trouble, he interrupted his preaching and started at once for Rome to defend Bernadine and the Veneration of the Holy Name. He, too, in his sermons, had strongly advocated this devotion. He had the sacred monogram, surrounded with rays, painted after the pattern of the one used by Bernadine. At the entrance to the city, where he arrived on the day appointed for the trial, he raised it on a staff and carried it like a banner. Many persons followed him, for the devotion was not unknown to them, and forming a procession, walked through the streets singing hymns in honour of the Holy Name. When the Pope heard the spontaneous outburst of piety on the part of the people, his prejudice was so far shaken that he put off hearing to a later date and authorized capistran to appear in his friend’s defence. The investigation took place in the basilica of St. Peter. There were no fewer than Seventy-two accusers, many of them learned men. Bernadine spoke in his own defence and Capistran followed with a speech so eloquent and closely reasoned that his master was completely exonerated. Next day, the Pope received St. Bernardine in audience and blessed him; and, in renewing his licence to preach, gave him the fullest encouragement to propagate the devotion.

Sts. John Capistrano and Bernadine of Siena, Pray for Us.