It's the Feast of
St. Bernardine of Siena,
3rd Class, with the color of
White. In this episode: the meditation: "The Spirit of Gentleness", today's news from the Church: "Regarding the Recent Statement by Cardinal Fernandez (May 13, 2026)", a preview of the Sermon: "We Must Be Supernatural Realists", and today's thought from the Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.
Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows?
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Sources Used Today:
- "The Spirit of Gentleness" — Eastertide Day by Day
- "Regarding the Recent Statement by Cardinal Fernandez (May 13, 2026)" (FSSPX.news)
- "We Must Be Supernatural Realists" (SSPX Sermons)
- The Spiritual Life — Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Angelus Press)
Please support our new project, the Archbishop Lefebvre Biography Audiobook!
Saint Bernardine of Siena was one of the greatest preachers of the fifteenth century, a Franciscan friar whose words rekindled faith across Italy during a time of division and moral decline. He was born in 1380 near Siena, Italy, into a noble family, but was orphaned at a young age and raised by devout relatives who formed him in the Catholic faith.
As a young man, Bernardine showed both intelligence and compassion. During a devastating plague in Siena, he dedicated himself to caring for the sick, risking his own life in service to others. The experience deepened his spiritual life and eventually led him to enter the Franciscan Order, where he embraced poverty, prayer, and preaching.
At first, Bernardine struggled physically because of a weak voice, but through perseverance he became a remarkably powerful preacher. He traveled from city to city throughout Italy, drawing enormous crowds. His sermons called people to repentance, honesty, reconciliation, and devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. He preached not only against serious sin, but against the greed, corruption, and factional violence that troubled many Italian cities.
Bernardine became especially known for spreading devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. He would often display a tablet bearing the letters “IHS,” a traditional abbreviation for the name of Jesus, encouraging the faithful to honor Christ in their homes and daily lives. Through this devotion, he sought to bring peace and unity where hatred and rivalry had taken root.
Though widely admired, Bernardine also faced opposition and misunderstanding. Some accused him unjustly of introducing improper devotions, but after investigation, the Church fully supported his preaching and recognized the spiritual fruit it produced.
The Church honors Saint Bernardine of Siena as a model preacher who combined zeal with simplicity and charity. His life reminds the faithful that true reform begins with conversion of heart and devotion to Christ.
In Christian art, he is frequently depicted holding the radiant symbol of the Holy Name, reflecting the devotion that became the center of his mission.
Saint Bernardine of Siena, zealous preacher and faithful servant of Christ, pray for us.
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What is the SSPX Podcast?
The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.
What is the SSPX?
The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood.
Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls.
Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it.
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