The Franciscan Bernardino of Siena, OFM, (sometimes Bernardine) was an Italian priest, missionary, and a Catholic saint. He is most noted for his preaching and evangelizing the people of Italy during the 15th century, sometimes being called “the Apostle of Italy” for his efforts to revive the country’s Catholic faith. His great oratorical skills and persuasiveness are the reason he is the patron saint of advertisers and advertising. Today is his feast day.

St. Bernardino’s popular preaching and missions had their own banner, the letters “IHS” on the background of a blazing sun. The IHS Christogram is often interpreted as meaning Iesus Hominum Salvator (“Jesus, Savior of men” in Latin) and is associated with the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. Continue reading →