St. Bernadine of Sienna (1380-1444) was a Franciscan priest who spent a great deal of his life as a missionary. But his mission field was not in distant lands or fierce jungles. His labors were spent in the hearts and souls of the Catholics of Europe, particularly in Italy. And it happened once that his travels brought him to the great city of Milan, Italy. But when the Saint began preaching in there, his sermons were not at all popular with a certain duke named Philip Visconti. No doubt St. Bernadine's exhortations to turn away from sin and embrace a life of virtue stung the conscience of the nobleman.

It was not long before the haughty duke threatened the holy preacher - with death! Philip declared that Bernadine must stop these sermons at once; otherwise, he would pay for them with his life. But the saintly monk was not in the least bit concerned or intimidated by Duke Philip's threats. In fact, he informed the nobleman that nothing would give him greater joy and happiness than to die for the Truth.

Realizing that his threats were not working, the duke became curious. Just who was this preacher, and what kind of person was he? Death didn't frighten him... but some men are born to be warriors. Was it courage - or was it pride? Did this Franciscan really lead a life of virtue? Well, the nobleman wanted to find out...

Soon, one of Duke Philip's messengers arrived with a present for Bernadine. It was in a golden bowl - filled with gold coins! One hundred gold coins to be precise. But the Saint would not take the gift - he didn't need it. As a son of St. Francis, he had devoted himself to a life of poverty. He trusted in God, not gold. And so, the nobleman's servant left to return the extravagant present to its giver.

But the duke was persistent. Was Bernadine really a man of God? And more importantly, did this preacher really practice what he preached? So Philip sent a second messenger with the same expensive gift... with the same result. Bernadine had once again refused it. But when the third servant arrived, the man would not take 'no' for an answer. St. Bernadine soon realized that the messenger would only leave empty-handed.

Well then, thought Bernadine, if I must accept this donation, I know just what to do with it.

Bidding the duke's messenger to follow him, the Saint went straight to the prisons. Here, he began paying for the release and freedom of the 'debtors'. These were men whose only 'crimes' were unpaid debts. Debtor after debtor Bernadine freed... until all of the money was spent.

The messenger returned to Duke Philip. Seeing his servant empty-handed, the nobleman was burning with curiosity. Had that trouble-making Franciscan finally accepted the gold? The messenger hesitated... but soon, the whole story was out. Bernadine had indeed accepted the generous sum of money... but he had spent it all already - helping others! The holy preacher had not kept even a single coin for himself.

When Philip learned what Bernadine had done with his money, the Saint's virtuous example and God's grace finally touched the duke's heart. He realized that this monk was someone who not only practiced what he preached - he lived what he believed. From that day forward, the duke's animosity and aversion was transformed into the greatest admiration and respect. And for the rest of his life, Duke Philip Visconti always held St. Bernadine in the highest regard and the fondest respect.