Saint Antoninus of Florence

Life story

Antonio Pierozzi was born on 1 March 1389 in Florence, the son of a notary of the Florentine Republic. He applied to the Dominicans in 1404, at fifteen, and was accepted a year later. He was the first to receive the habit for the convent of Fiesole and made his novitiate at Cortona.

For many years he held offices in the order in several cities, as prior at Cortona, Rome, Naples and Gaeta among other places. From 1433 to 1446 he was vicar of the Tuscan Congregation. In 1436, with the support of Cosimo de' Medici, he established the convent of San Marco in Florence, later decorated with frescoes by Fra Angelico and his assistants. He also took part in the Council of Florence as a theologian.

Pope Eugene IV compelled him to accept the see of Florence, and he was consecrated archbishop at Fiesole on 13 March 1446. He visited parishes and religious communities, corrected abuses, preached, helped the poor and wrote for clergy and laity. He also served the Florentine Republic as ambassador to the Pope in 1455 and 1458.

He wrote the Summa theologica moralis, regarded as a new development in moral theology, and the Chronicon, a universal history down to 1360. He died on 2 May 1459 in Florence, aged seventy, and Pope Pius II presided at his funeral. Pope Adrian VI canonized him on 31 May 1523.

Works and witness

• Entered the Dominicans in 1405 and held many offices in the order
• Established the priory of San Marco in Florence in 1436
• Consecrated archbishop of Florence on 13 March 1446
• Wrote the Summa theologica moralis and the Chronicon
• Canonized on 31 May 1523

Saints from the same country

Saint Agnes, Saint Lawrence, Saint Cecilia, Saint Sebastian

References

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1907), entry St. Antoninus (New Advent, cathen/01585b)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.