Feast Day: July 2
Patron of: Lecce, Italy; Jesuit novices
Early Life and Education
Saint Bernardine Realino was born in Carpi, Italy, in the year 1530 to a noble family of the region. He was named after Saint Bernardine of Siena, reflecting the deep Catholic roots of his family. Gifted with a keen intellect and a gentle demeanor, Bernardine studied the humanities and philosophy at Bologna and then proceeded to pursue a degree in civil and canon law, following his father’s wish that he enter public service. By the time he was 26, he had earned his doctorate and began a promising career in law and administration, serving as a judge and later as a mayor and treasurer for several Italian cities.
Conversion and Vocation to the Society of Jesus
Though successful in secular affairs, Bernardine’s heart was gradually drawn toward the things of God. In Naples, he encountered the newly founded Society of Jesus (Jesuits), which had been established only a few decades prior by St. Ignatius of Loyola. A sermon preached by a Jesuit missionary so moved him that he sought out the order and entered the novitiate in 1564, at the age of 34. His entry was sudden and complete—he renounced his legal career, wealth, and noble aspirations, choosing instead the path of poverty, obedience, and the apostolic life.
Priesthood and Apostolic Work
Bernardine was ordained a priest in 1567 and was soon sent to Lecce, in southern Italy, where he would spend the remaining 42 years of his life. There, he became a deeply beloved spiritual father to the people, renowned for his preaching, confession, spiritual direction, and works of charity. He opened schools, taught catechism, cared for the poor, and promoted the frequent reception of the Sacraments, especially Confession and Holy Communion.
His preaching was marked by clarity, depth, and warmth—leading many to repentance and deeper conversion. He became known as the “Apostle of Lecce” for his tireless efforts and the fruits of his ministry.
Spiritual Gifts and Final Years
Saint Bernardine was endowed with mystical gifts, including prophecy, reading of hearts, and miraculous healings. He was often seen absorbed in deep prayer, and his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus was intense and unwavering.
In his final illness, Bernardine suffered greatly but bore his pains with serenity and joy, often repeating the words, “Thy will be done, O Lord!” He died on July 2, 1616, surrounded by his Jesuit brethren, with the name of Jesus on his lips.
So great was his reputation for holiness that the city of Lecce began his cause for canonization immediately after his death. He was beatified in 1838 by Pope Gregory XVI and canonized in 1947 by Pope Pius XII.
Legacy and Spiritual Reflection
Saint Bernardine Realino remains a luminous model of conversion, pastoral zeal, and Jesuit obedience. His life speaks to the possibility of sanctity even after a late vocation and a secular career. He reminds us that God calls souls at all stages of life, and that true joy is found not in worldly honor but in loving service of Christ and His Church.
He is especially revered among Jesuit novices as a patron and exemplar of fidelity to vocation.
Spiritual Exercise for the Day (In the Spirit of St. Bernardine Realino)
Spend 15 minutes in quiet prayer, meditating on your personal vocation. Ask the Lord: “What would You have me do?” Then, like St. Bernardine, respond with readiness of heart: “Thy will be done, O Lord!”