Optional Memorial of Saint Bernardine of Siena, Priest

Brief Background:

Saint Bernardine of Siena was a Franciscan priest born in 1380 in Siena. He became one of the greatest preachers of the 15th century, traveling throughout Italy calling people to conversion, peace, and devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. He is especially known for promoting the “IHS” symbol, representing the name of Jesus, which he often displayed during his preaching.

St. Bernardine helped renew the Franciscan Order through his holiness, simplicity, and powerful preaching. Despite having a weak and hoarse voice when younger, God transformed him into a preacher who drew massive crowds. He died in 1444 and was canonized just six years later because of his widespread reputation for holiness.

He is the patron saint of advertisers, public relations workers, communications and advertising, gamblers, respiratory illnesses, and the city of Siena, Italy.

REFLECTION:

Acts 20:28–38 places us in a deeply emotional moment in the life of St. Paul. He gathers the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus and speaks to them almost like a spiritual father giving his final words to his sons. Paul reminds them to “keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock,” to remember that they are shepherds entrusted with God’s people, purchased by the blood of Christ. He speaks not as a manager or administrator, but as one who has poured out his life in love for the Church.

It is interesting how God works, because yesterday’s and today’s readings center on Paul speaking to the presbyters, and at the same time, the priests of our Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu are gathered this week for retreat at Saint Stephen Diocesan Center. This time of retreat is meant for us to reconnect with our “Boss” — God Himself. It is a time to step away from meetings, schedules, responsibilities, and even the noise of ministry, so that we can remember why we first said yes. To remember who called us first. To remember that before we were priests, we were disciples.

Sometimes in ministry, it is easy to become so busy working for God that we forget to simply be with God. Yet before Jesus sent out the apostles, He first called them to be with Him (Mark 3:14). Retreat reminds us that priesthood is not first about functions, administration, or even programs. Priesthood is about relationship — relationship with Christ the Good Shepherd.

But this message is not only for priests. It is also for all the faithful who minister in God’s Church — teachers, administrators, campus ministers, parish staff, volunteers, and especially those who work in our Catholic schools. Whether we serve in a parish office, classroom, youth ministry, choir, or in leadership, today’s reading reminds us that all of this belongs to God, not to us. The students are not ours. The parish is not ours. The ministry is not ours. The Church belongs to Christ.

Paul’s words are powerful because he reminds the presbyters that the flock does not belong to them. The Church belongs to Christ. The people entrusted to our care were “purchased with His own blood.” That changes everything. It means ministry is never about ego, personal ambition, control, or building our own kingdoms. It is about stewardship. We are caretakers of souls that belong to Jesus.

This can be especially important in Catholic education and parish ministry. Sometimes we can become possessive over positions, programs, traditions, or even people. We can begin to act as if the ministry revolves around us. But today’s reading humbles us. We are servants, not owners. God simply allows us the privilege of participating in His work. And one day, like Paul, we will hand it on to others.

Paul also warns about “savage wolves” who will try to distort the truth. In every generation there are challenges, distractions, and temptations that pull people away from God. The priest, teacher, catechist, and Church leader are all called not only to encourage and accompany, but also to protect the truth with charity and courage. This is not easy today. People are wounded, tired, skeptical, and searching. Yet the answer remains the same: we lead people back to Christ.

One of the most moving parts of this passage is at the end when the presbyters weep, embrace Paul, and grieve because they know they may never see him again. Why such emotion? Because authentic ministry creates authentic love. Paul did not merely preach to them; he gave his life to them. That is the heart of Christian discipleship — not simply doing things for people, but loving people enough to walk with them toward Christ.

Perhaps this reading is also a reminder for all of us to ask ourselves: why did we first fall in love with God? What was the moment we first heard His voice? What has distracted us from Him? Retreat is not only for priests. Every Christian needs moments to step away from the noise and reconnect with the Lord.

In the end, Paul entrusts everything “to God and to the word of His grace.” That is where our strength comes from too. Not from ourselves, but from God who called us, sustains us, and continues to guide His Church.