Download or read book Preaching Peace in Renaissance Italy written by Cynthia Polecritti and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bernardino of Siena (1380-1444) was one of the major religious figures of the 15th century. His charismatic preaching filled the piazze of Italian cities, as thousands of listeners flocked to hear him and to participate in dramatic rituals, which included collective weeping, bonfires of vanities, and excorcisms. He was also a renowned peacemaker, in the Franciscan tradition, who tried to calm feuding clans and factions in the turbulent political world of the Renaissance. His preaching visits would often culminate in mass reconciliation, as listeners were persuaded to exchange the bacio di pace, or kiss of peace.