Saint of the Day – 2 May – Saint Antoninus of Florence OP (1389-1459) “Antoninus the Counsellor”

Saint of the Day – 2 May – Saint Antoninus of Florence OP (1389-1459) Archbishop of Florence, Dominican Priest and Friar, Confessor, spiritual director, apostle of mercy, theologian, writer, reformer, Prior of the Order. Born as Antonio Pierozzi (also called de Forciglioni) on 1 March 1389 in the city of Florence and died on 2 May 1459 at Florence, Italy.   Known as “Antoninus the Counsellor”.   Patronages – Moncalvo, Turin, Italy, University of Santo Tomas Graduate School, Manila, Philippines, Saint Antoninus Parish, Municipality of Pura, Tarlac Philippines.

Anthony Pierozzi, born on 1 March 1389, was soon nicknamed “Antoninus” (“Little Anthony”), either because of his small stature or his weak health.   Thus began the life of the future Saint Antoninus born to noble parents in Florence, Italy.

The influence of the Dominicans on Antoninus’ early life led him to seek admittance to the Dominican Order at the age of 15.   Antoninus approached the prior of the convent in Fiesole, Blessed Brother John Dominic (c 1355–1419, with his request to be admitted to the Order.   Perhaps noticing the weak health of the aspirant and not wishing to give an outright refusal to Antoninus’ request, Brother John Dominic told him to come back once he had memorised the Decretum of Gratian, or the Code of Canon Law at the time.   To the prior’s surprise, the youth returned within the year having accomplished the task required of him.   He was thus admitted to the Order.

The love and zeal he had as a novice never left Antoninus.   He became a great reformer more by example than by word.   Elected prior at a young age, Antoninus served as superior for many years.   He, like his brothers in St Dominic and St Thomas Aquinas, was concerned with the formation of the friars of the Order of Preachers.   Hence he prepared the Summa Moralis, a systematic and comprehensive presentation of Christian Moral Theology, which he wrote, as he said, during the summer and the winter of his life. Antoninus’ writings treated the practical aspects of living the faith.   His writings were a major development in the field of moral theology.   St Antoninus also wrote a biography of Blessed John Dominic and a history of the world.

Antoninus’ devotion to the Sacrament of Penance and spiritual counsel earned him the title of Antoninus the Counsellor.   Such was his ability to instruct and to guide others.

Antoninus accepted into the Order Brother John of Fiesole, the future artist, Fra Angelico (c 1395–1455).   Having an eye for recognising the gifts of others, Antoninus instructed Fra Angelico to prepare his own Summa Moralis, not in words but through his painting. Hence when the new convent of San Marco was built, Prior Antoninus had Fra Angelico grace each of the friar’s cells with a painting based on a scene from the life of Christ.

After he was appointed Archbishop of Florence, Antoninus’ residence became known as the hostel for the poor, such was his generosity and service for victims of poverty.   His sensitivity to the needs of others led him to found the “Men of St Martin,” in order to offer quiet support to the wealthy who had become indigent.   Hence, the Archbishop lived out the works of mercy.

He came to win the esteem and love of his people, especially by his energy and resource in combating the effects of the plague and earthquake in 1448 and 1453.    Antoninus lived a life of austerity as archbishop, continuing to follow the Dominican Rule.   His relations with the Medici regime were close but not always harmonious, with his serving several times as an ambassador for the Republic to the Holy See during the 1450s.

St Antoninus died on 2 May 1459 and Pope Pius II conducted his funeral.   The Pope happened to be on his way to the Council of Mantua when he heard of the Archbishop’s death.   The Archbishop’s wish was that he be buried at the priory which he had founded in the City. 

He was Canonised on Trinity Sunday, 31 May 1523 by Pope Adrian VI, who himself held ideas of radical and drastic church reform similar to those of Antoninus.

Eternal God, you blessed Saint Antoninus with a marvellous gift of counsel.   By the help of his prayers, while we walk in the darkness of this life, may we learn from the light of Christ all that we ought to do.   We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen