Blessed Bernardine of Feltre

Also known as
Bernardino of Feltre
Martin Tomitani
Memorial
28 September
Profile
Born to the nobility, the eldest of nine children, he grew up with a speech impediment. After hearing Saint James of the Marches preach at Padua, Italy during Lent, 1456, he felt a call to the religious life. Joined the Order of Friars Minor in May 1456. Teacher. Studied at Mantua, Italy. Ordained in 1463. His speech impediment miraculously cured, and he became a travelling preacher throughout Italy, noted for his fiery sermons against usury. He organized more than thirty monti di pietá throughout Italy to give people an alternative to high-interest lenders.
Born
1439 at Feltre, Italy as Martin Tomitani
Died
28 September 1494 of natural causes
Beatified
13 April 1654 by Pope Innocent X (cultus confirmed); 1728 (beatified)
Canonized
pending
Patronage
bankers
pawnbrokers
Representation
green hill of three mounds, with a cross on each
man holding monte di pietà, that is, a little green hill composed of three mounds and on the top either a cross or a standard with the inscription: Curam illius habe
Additional Information
Catholic Encyclopedia, by Stephen M Donovan
New Catholic Dictionary: Blessed Bernardine of Feltre
New Catholic Dictionary: montes pietatis
Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson
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