In this homily at the Basilica of Collemaggio in L’Aquila, Pope John Paul II marks the six-hundredth anniversary of Saint Bernardino of Siena’s birth and greets the local faithful, pilgrims, authorities, and sick. Reflecting on Sirach and Jesus’ teaching, he presents humility, fidelity to God’s law, and generous service to the poor as the way of Christian life. Saint Bernardino embodied these virtues by caring for the sick, becoming a simple Franciscan friar, refusing ecclesiastical advancement, and teaching the poor the value of simplicity and poverty.

The homily then presents Bernardino as an advocate for justice amid financial inequality and predatory lending, compassionate toward the weak but uncompromising toward vice. Particular emphasis falls on his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus and his promotion of the IHS symbol, which the Pope encourages families and young people to place in their homes and hearts. Christ’s name signifies universal salvation, truth, guidance, and comfort. Reaffirming that Jesus is the center of human history and the only source of salvation, the Pope calls clergy and laity to become Gospel witnesses, defend the sanctity of life and family, oppose abortion, and seek laws respecting the right to life. He concludes with a prayer for renewed faith and proclamation of Christ.