Births on February 6

Bernard of Corleone, Italian saint (d. 1667)

Bernardo da Corleone, originally known as Filippo Latini, was a revered Roman Catholic professed religious who belonged to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. Born on February 6, 1605, he lived a transformative life until his death on January 12, 1667. His journey from a combative layman to a saintly friar exemplifies profound spiritual conversion and devotion.

Early Life and Profound Transformation

Filippo Latini’s early life was markedly different from his later spiritual existence. Following in his father's footsteps, he initially pursued a career as a cobbler. However, after his father's passing, Latini adopted the life of a soldier, a path that brought out a volatile and aggressive temperament. He quickly earned a reputation for being quick to challenge to a duel anyone who offended him or the causes he passionately believed in. Dueling, a prevalent if often illicit practice in 17th-century Sicily, was a common way for men to defend their honor or perceived slights. Latini was deeply immersed in this culture of honor and confrontation, with his fiery disposition frequently leading him into conflict.

A pivotal moment occurred during one such duel where he gravely wounded his opponent, bringing him to the brink of death. This near-fatal encounter served as a profound turning point. Overwhelmed by remorse and a deep spiritual awakening, Latini sought refuge with the Franciscan friars in Palermo. It was within the sanctuary of their monastery – specifically, the Capuchin monastery of Palermo – that he experienced a radical conversion, a complete and sincere repentance for his violent past. This transformative experience marked the beginning of his new life, dedicated entirely to God and the pursuit of holiness.

The Path of Penance and Austerity

Upon his entry into the Capuchin Order, Filippo Latini, now embracing a life of religious discipline, became extraordinarily severe with himself. He adopted rigorous ascetic practices, including the infliction of harsh penances upon himself, such as flagellation. In the context of 17th-century Catholic spirituality, particularly within mendicant orders like the Capuchins, such self-mortification was understood not as self-harm but as a means of atonement for sins, a way to purify the soul, to emulate the sufferings of Christ, and to achieve greater spiritual union with God through detachment from worldly comforts. These practices were a testament to his profound repentance and his earnest desire for spiritual perfection.

The Rigorous Process of Sainthood

The journey to sainthood for Bernardo da Corleone (Filippo Latini) was a meticulous and lengthy process within the Roman Catholic Church, spanning centuries and involving multiple papal recognitions. This rigorous procedure ensures a thorough investigation into the candidate’s life, virtues, and the divine intervention attributed to their intercession.

• Servant of God: The formal process for his sainthood officially commenced on December 18, 1725, under the pontificate of Pope Benedict XIII. At this initial stage, he was posthumously granted the title of Servant of God, signifying that the diocesan investigation into his life and virtues had begun.
• Venerable: Decades later, on February 2, 1762, Pope Clement XIII formally recognized Filippo Latini's extraordinary spiritual life by naming him Venerable. This declaration followed the confirmation by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints that he had lived a life of "heroic virtue," demonstrating an exceptional adherence to the theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) and the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) to an heroic degree.
• Beatification: The next significant step, beatification, occurred on May 15, 1768, with Pope Clement XIII presiding over the ceremony. For beatification, the Church typically requires the confirmation of two distinct miraculous healings attributed to the candidate's intercession – meaning, prayers offered to God through the Venerable’s spiritual assistance. These miracles must be medically inexplicable and verified by rigorous Church investigations to confirm their authenticity and direct link to the candidate's intercession.
• Canonization: Centuries after his beatification, Filippo Latini, now Blessed Bernardo da Corleone, was elevated to sainthood. Pope John Paul II officially canonized him on June 10, 2001. Canonization, the ultimate declaration of sainthood, typically requires the confirmation of one additional post-beatification miracle attributed to the candidate's intercession. This final miracle further affirms the Church’s belief in the individual’s presence in heaven and their ability to intercede on behalf of the faithful.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bernardo da Corleone

Who was Bernardo da Corleone?

Bernardo da Corleone, born Filippo Latini, was a 17th-century Roman Catholic Capuchin friar from Sicily, known for his radical conversion from a violent soldier to a devout religious and for his eventual canonization as a saint.

What was his life like before becoming a friar?

Before his conversion, Filippo Latini worked as a cobbler and later as a soldier. He was known for his quick temper and willingness to engage in duels to defend his honor or beliefs.

What led to his conversion?

A pivotal moment occurred when he almost killed an opponent in a duel. This traumatic event prompted him to seek repentance and led to a profound spiritual conversion, inspiring him to join the Capuchin Franciscans in Palermo.

What is the significance of the Capuchin Order in his story?

The Capuchin Order, a branch of the Franciscans, is known for its emphasis on austerity, poverty, and contemplative life. Joining this order allowed Bernardo to fully embrace a life of rigorous penance and devotion, which was central to his spiritual growth.

How many miracles were attributed to him for his sainthood?

Two confirmed miracles were required for his beatification in 1768, and one additional confirmed miracle was required for his canonization in 2001. These miracles typically involve medically inexplicable healings verified by the Church.