Saint of the Day – 22 August – Blessed Bernard Perani OFM,Cap. (1604-1694) Lay Brother of the Capuchin Branch of the Order of Friars Minor, Lay Brother fulfilling various roles in the service of his fellow Friars, Apostle of the poor and sick, Mystic with various charisms and a powerful devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Born on 7 November 1604 at Villa d’Appignano, Offida, in the Marche, Italy as Dominico Francesco and died in 1694 at his Monastery in Offida aged 89 years old. Patronage – of the City and Diocese of Offida, Italy. Also known as – Bernard Offida, Bernard Offidski, Bernard z Offidy, Dominico Francesco. …
Domenico Perani was born to the peasant family of Domenico Perani and Elisabetta Puccio Perani as the third of eight children. His mother often held him up as an example worthy of imitation, to his siblings. At his Baptism he was given the names of Domenico Francesco. He assisted his father as a shepherd in his childhood.
In 1626 at the age of 22, Dominico entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Corinaldo, taking the name of Bernard. From his entrance until 1633, he worked in the kitchen.
He became an ardent student of Sacred Scripture and devotee of the Blessed Sacrament, being seen to experience ecstasy whilst praying before the Tabernacle. He practised severed mortifications and penances.
He was placed in the Friary at Fermo from his profession until two decades later and in 1650 Bernard was returned to his birthplace of Offida, where he was blesed to remain for the rest of his life and where he later died on 22 August 1694 mere months before turning 90. He died with a Crucifix in his hands.
Joseph Haydn wrote a special Mass in his honour named the “Missa sancti Bernardi von Offida.”
Pope Pius VI held the Beatification celebration for Bernard on 25 May 1795 in Saint Peter’s Basilica. The cause for his Sainthood was formally opened on 20 September 1797.
AnaStpaul 