Stop Hiding Your Gifts: Lessons from St. Bernardino

St. Bernardino of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan friar, was a man whose life was marked by deep faith, powerful preaching, and an unwavering commitment to spiritual renewal. Born in 1380 in Massa Marittima, Italy, Bernardino was orphaned at a young age and raised by a devout aunt. His early years were shaped by service to the sick, particularly during a devastating plague in Siena, where he and his companions took charge of a hospital, caring for the afflicted.

After recovering from illness himself, Bernardino joined the Strict Observance branch of the Franciscans, a movement dedicated to restoring the original rigor of St. Francis’ Rule. For over a dozen years, he lived in relative obscurity, committed to prayer and discipline. However, his true calling remained hidden—until a pivotal moment changed everything.

One of the most striking moments in Bernardino’s life came when a young novice delivered a prophecy to him, declaring three times: “Stop hiding your gifts.” This phrase resonates deeply, not just in Bernardino’s story but in the lives of many today. How often do we find ourselves in environments where talents remain unexpressed, where potential is stored away rather than exercised?

The fact that this revelation came from a novice is significant. Novices—those new to a culture or organization—often possess fresh eyes, unclouded by routine or tradition. They see possibilities that others, accustomed to the status quo, may overlook. This is a powerful lesson in leadership: pay attention to new perspectives. There may be treasures within your organization or community that you simply do not recognize because you have grown too familiar with how things are, rather than how they could be.

Following this prophetic moment, Bernardino embraced his calling as a preacher. His sermons were electrifying, drawing massive crowds across Italy. He spoke passionately against moral corruption, particularly gambling, which led to an unexpected economic shift. His preaching was so effective that the playing card industry suffered a significant decline as communities abandoned gambling.

Yet, this disruption led to an unforeseen opportunity. Bernardino had popularized devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, often represented by the Greek letters IHS. As demand for religious placards bearing these sacred symbols grew, the very manufacturers who had once produced playing cards pivoted their business—shifting from gambling-related products to religious devotionals. In a remarkable twist, they became more successful in pointing people to Christ than they had been in fueling greed.

Both of these moments in Bernardino’s life—the novice’s prophecy and the transformation of the playing card industry—illustrate a profound truth: the status quo can bind us. It can prevent us from seeing new possibilities, from recognizing destructive patterns, and from embracing change that could lead to something far greater.

So today, let’s ask ourselves:

Often, the most transformative insights come from those who see the world differently than we do. May we have the courage to listen, to act, and to step into the fullness of our calling—just as St. Bernardino did.