Why is Saint Bernardine linked to the IHS monogram?

Bernardine of Siena spread devotion to the Name of Jesus and the IHS monogram in his preaching throughout Italy in the fifteenth century.

Saint Bernardine of Siena

Feast day: May 20

Franciscan preacher of the Holy Name of Jesus, reformer of Christian life.

Bernardine was born in 1380 in Massa Marittima, Tuscany, and entered the Franciscans at age twenty.

After serious illness, he devoted himself to itinerant preaching in Italian cities, calling for conversion and charity.

He spread devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus and the IHS monogram in plaques and processions.

He worked for peace among rival cities and fought usury and vices that oppressed the poor.

He was canonized in 1450, only six years after his death, a sign of great popular esteem.

His liturgical feast is May 20.

To the Franciscan preacher of the Holy Name of Jesus, we ask devotion to the Most Holy Name and intercession.