Bernardino of Fossa
Bernardino of Fossa was an Italian Franciscan historian and ascetical writer who lived in the 15th century. He is known for his historical writings, including a chronicle of the Franciscan Observance, and for authoring the first biography of Saint Bernardino of Siena. His veneration was approved by Pope Leo XII.
Key Facts
- ›Bernardino of Fossa was born in Fossa, in the Diocese of Aquila, Italy, in 1420.
- ›He studied canon and CIVIL law in Perugia, where he received the Franciscan habit on March 12, 1445, from James of the Marches.
- ›He served as provincial for the province of St. Bernardine and the province of Dalmatia and Bosnia.
- ›Bernardino was the author of the Chronica Fratrum Minorum Observantiae, a chronicle of the Franciscan Observance.
- ›He also wrote the first biography of his patron, Saint Bernardino of Siena.
- ›His cult was approved by Pope Leo XII on March 26, 1828, and his feast is observed in the Franciscan Order on November 7.

Major Works
- Chronica Fratrum Minorum Observantiae
- First life of Saint Bernardino of Siena
Bernardino Aquilanus, Bernardino Amici
Franciscan Observance
Franciscan Order
About Bernardino of Fossa
Bernardino of Fossa, born in Fossa, Italy, in 1420, was a distinguished Italian Franciscan historian and ascetical writer. He belonged to the Amici family and is sometimes referred to as Aquilanus due to his long association and death in Aquila. His intellectual journey began with early training in Aquila, followed by studies in canon and civil law at Perugia. It was in Perugia on March 12, 1445, that he received the Franciscan habit from the renowned James of the Marches.
Life and Ministry
Bernardino held significant positions within his order, serving as provincial for both the province of St. Bernardine and the province of Dalmatia and Bosnia. His humility was so profound that he declined the offer to become Bishop of Aquila. His life and writings contributed to the spiritual and historical legacy of the Franciscan Order.
Works and Legacy
Among his notable writings are several sermons and ascetical treatises. His historical contributions include the Chronica Fratrum Minorum Observantiae, a chronicle detailing the history of the Franciscan Observance, which was later edited from an autograph manuscript. Bernardino also authored the inaugural biography of his patron, Saint Bernardino of Siena. The Church officially approved his veneration by Pope Leo XII on March 26, 1828, and his feast is commemorated within the Franciscan Order on November 7.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Bernardino of Fossa born?
Bernardino of Fossa was born in Fossa, located in the Diocese of Aquila, Italy, in the year 1420.
What was Bernardino of Fossa's religious affiliation?
Bernardino of Fossa was a member of the Franciscan Order, specifically the Observance.
What are some of Bernardino of Fossa's notable writings?
He is known for his ascetical and historical works, including the Chronica Fratrum Minorum Observantiae and the first biography of Saint Bernardino of Siena.
When was Bernardino of Fossa's cult approved?
His cult was approved by Pope Leo XII on March 26, 1828.
When is Bernardino of Fossa's feast day observed?
His feast day is kept in the Franciscan Order on November 7.
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