Saint Bernardino Realino

Bernardino Realino was born on December 1, 1530, and died on July 2, 1616, as an Italian Roman Catholic priest dedicated to the Jesuits. His entire career was centered in Naples and Lecce. Before his religious vocation, he pursued a legal career and served in various municipal roles. Realino felt called to join the Jesuit order and was ordained a priest in Naples. He is often referred to as the 'Apostle of Lecce' for his dedication to serving the poor and his effective preaching abilities. Pope Leo XIII beatified him in 1896, and Pope Pius XII canonized him on June 22, 1947.