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Feast Day: July 18
Blessed Bernard De Arenis, also known as Blessed Bernard de Sartanes, was a Mercedarian friar hailing from France. Not much is known about his early life and background. However, his extraordinary deeds of faith and courage during his missionary work in north Africa have made him a revered figure in the Catholic Church.
Blessed Bernard De Arenis was sent on a mission to north Africa, where he encountered numerous challenges and endured severe abuse due to his unwavering dedication to his faith. Despite the hardships he faced, he remained steadfast in his mission to bring hope and freedom to those in need.
During his travels, Blessed Bernard De Arenis came across a group of 222 Christians who had been imprisoned and enslaved by Muslim captors. Fueled by his fervent belief in mercy and the teachings of Christ, he dedicated himself to rescuing these imprisoned Christians, risking his own safety to ensure their liberation. With unwavering determination, he negotiated and ultimately secured their release, a miraculous feat that demonstrated his courage and unwavering commitment to the principles of faith and justice.
The exact details surrounding the events of Blessed Bernard De Arenis's life, including his birth, death, and specific dates, are unfortunately not available. The lack of information regarding his representation and any feast days commemorating his life suggests that he might be a relatively lesser-known figure within the Catholic Church. Nevertheless, his exemplary actions and the impact he had on the lives of those he rescued have made him a source of inspiration for many faithful believers.
Blessed Bernard De Arenis's selfless and heroic efforts embody the spirit of the Mercedarian Order, known for its mission to ransom Christians held captive by non-Christians. Although he may not have been formally venerated, beatified, or canonized, his acts of bravery and compassion serve as a testament to the virtues and values revered by the Catholic Church. The faithful can look to his example as an inspiration to stand strong in the face of adversity and to work tirelessly for justice and liberation.