Blessed Bernardo De Plano

Biography

Blessed Bernardo De Plano, also known as Blessed Bernard of Planissoles, was a devout Mercedarian friar who played a significant role in the redemption of Christians held captive by Muslims during the medieval period. Born in France, his exact birthdate is not provided, but it is known that he lived during the 14th and early 15th centuries.

Bernardo De Plano dedicated his life to the Mercedarian Order, a religious community founded for the specific purpose of ransoming Christians who were enslaved by Muslims during the time of the Crusades. The Mercedarians, also known as the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, were established to carry out the work of redemption and provide humanitarian aid to those imprisoned for their faith. Bernardo joined this order and diligently served its mission.

Having shown exceptional dedication to the cause, Bernardo De Plano was appointed as the Master-General of the Mercedarian Order on 3 November 1417. This prestigious title placed him in a position of leadership, where he could further advance the objectives of the order and contribute to the liberation of numerous Christians.

It is worth noting that Bernardo's representation, or iconography, is not specified. In many instances, Christian saints and blessed individuals are depicted in artwork or statues to aid in devotion and recognition. However, in the case of Bernardo De Plano, no specific image or symbol is mentioned.

Blessed Bernardo De Plano passed away on 12 January 1419, at the monastery of San Martino in Perpignan, France. His death was attributed to natural causes, underscoring that he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his vocation until his final moments.

While the information regarding his veneration and beatification is not provided, it is important to note that the title 'Blessed' is used before his name, suggesting that he has obtained a certain level of beatification within the Church. However, further investigation is required to ascertain the specifics of his recognition within the Catholic tradition.

Though we lack additional information about his life, it is evident that Blessed Bernardo De Plano's contributions to the Mercedarian Order and his efforts to ransom Christians from captivity greatly impacted the lives of those he rescued and inspired future generations. He remains a testament to the profound dedication and sacrifice demonstrated by many Catholic saints and blessed individuals throughout history.