Abstract
This paper explores that what Bernardino da Siena (1380–1444) said in his last two sermons delivered on the second Sunday of the Easter Octave about the glory of the blessed in heaven and the final battle for the celestial Jerusalem. He weaves together the theme of the celestial Jerusalem with aspects of the main characteristics and activities of the saints in heaven. These sermons give him the opportunity to once again—as he preached for three days during Easter week—focus his attention on the gifts that are given to the glorified soul and resurrected body. Francis of Assisi plays an essential role for Bernardino as the model of the human ascent to heavenly glory through the embrace of the cross by way of the stigmata experience. Bernardino based most of his eschatological presentation on the last book of the bible, Revelation, and his figurative use of this text will be highlighted throughout this paper.