Saint of the Day – 22 January – Blessed Antonio della Chiesa OP (1394-1459) Priest

Saint of the Day – 22 January – Blessed Antonio della Chiesa OP (1394-1459) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, the Dominican Order (Ordo Fratrum Praedicatorum – OP), Prior, Reformer. Antonio was a known Miracle worker and was able to read the consciences of all which gifts made him a sought-after Spiritual Counsellor. Antonio was a Mystic and had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and he was known to have conversed with her several times, in ecstasy. Born in 1394 in San Germano Vercellese, in the region of Piedmont in northern Italy and died on 22 January 1459 in the Dominican Convent in Como, Lombardy, of natural causes, Also known as – Anthony of San Germano. Beatified on 15 May 1819 by Pope Pius VII. Additional Memorial – 28 July in his Hometown of San Germano Vercellese, the date his Relics were translated to the Parish Church there.

Antonio belonged to the noble and illustrious Piedmontese family of the Marquis della Chiesa and, via a connexted line, he was an ancestor of Pope Benedict XV (Reign 1914-1922) (Giacomo Giovanni della Chiesa).

He received a good education and early in life he showed pious traits. He grew up hoping to become a Monk but his father, who was a man of some importance, opposed this. In 1417, as a twenty-year-old, he nevertheless, joined the Dominican Order in Vercelli, despite his family’s protests.

He became known as a popular and effective Preacher, particularly against usurious interest. He also became a sought-after Confessor. He accompanied Saint Bernardine of Siena on a range of missions and served in various capacities in the Dominican Monasteries. Among those positions was that of the Prior and he served at the Friaries of Como and Florence, as well as in Savona and Bologna.

In Como, he reformed the life and morals of the entire Town and following this success Antonio was sent to govern other Convents. It was at these Convents that he insisted on a rigorous observance to their Rule of Life according to Saint Dominic. He is remembered as a kind Prior who had mercy on sinners and, at the same time, was firm with them that they may amend their ways.

Antonius was also one of the leaders in opposition to the last antipope, Felix V, who troubled the Church from 1440 until 1449. Felix V had a large support network stemming from Switzerland and Antonio vigourously opposed his work. He succeeded in winning over a large number of the antipope’s adherents to the lawful power of the recognised Pontiff, Pope Eugene IV and later Pope Nicholas V.

While on a trip from Savona to Genoa, he was captured by pirates but he was released unharmed. He had been apprehended with a fellow Friar and the pirates released the pair, after being so impressed with their gentle and kind demeanour.

Antoniuo, worn out by activity and penance, he died at the age of 65 having poredicted the date of his death, on 22 January 1459 in Como while he was Prior there. He was buried in the Dominican Church in the City and many miracles happened at his grave. On 28 July 1810 his Relics were translater to the Parish Church of San Germano Vercellese, his birth Town. He was Beatified on 15 May 1819 when his cult was confirmed by Pope Pius VII (1800-1823).

This lovely site shows all the PLACES of our Blessed Antonio:
https://www.storiadisangermanovercellese.it/luoghi.htm