Bernardine of Feltre was a 15th-century Italian Franciscan friar and missionary born in Feltre. Originally named Martin Tomitani, he joined the Observantine branch of the Franciscan order after being inspired by the preaching of James of the Marches. Despite an initial speech impediment, he became a widely popular preacher throughout the Italian peninsula. He is most notably remembered for his efforts to combat usury by reorganizing and establishing the monti di pietà, charitable credit institutions designed to provide low-interest loans to the poor.