Antoninus of Florence

Saint Antoninus of Florence was born Antonio Pierozzi on March 1, 1389, in Florence, Italy, to a respected family. Orphaned of his mother while still young, he grew up close to the life of the Church, often praying at Orsanmichele. At sixteen he entered the Dominican Order at Fiesole, embracing a disciplined life and soon being entrusted with reforming and guiding Dominican houses in several Italian cities. As prior and later vicar of the Tuscan Congregation, he helped establish the Priory of San Marco in Florence, a center of prayer and renewal. In 1446 Pope Eugene IV appointed him Archbishop of Florence. Antoninus lived simply, walked his diocese on foot to visit parishes and convents, and became beloved for his tireless care during plague and earthquake. A learned theologian and wise confessor, his writings shaped moral theology and urged justice and charity toward the poor. He died on May 2, 1459, and was canonized in 1523. He is patron of Filicaja. His feast day is May 10.