St. Antoninus of Florence

Feast Day: May 10

Antonino Fierozzi was born in Florence in 1389 and in 1405 was received into the Order “for the future priory of Fiesole” by Blessed John Dominic, who at that time was reforming the Dominican priories of the area according to the wishes of Blessed Raymond of Capua.

He served the friars in various priories in Italy, often as local superior, and became a distinguished master of canon law. In 1436 he founded the famous priory of San Marco in Florence and under his leadership Fra Angelico decorated the priory and an outstanding library was collected.

His wisdom and pastoral zeal made him a natural choice for Archbishop of Florence in 1446. He was noted for his service to the poor and established a society under the patronage of Saint Martin of Tours to assist him in this work.

Among his writings the best known is his Summa Moralis. His whole life was mirrored in his last words, “to serve God is to reign.” He died on May 2, 1459.