Antoninus of Florence
Biographical Details:
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Biography:
Antoninus of Florence, born Antonio Pierozzi in 1389 in Florence, Italy, was a Dominican friar, archbishop, theologian, and moralist known for his dedication to reform, charity, and social justice. He entered the Dominican Order at the age of 16 and quickly distinguished himself through his rigorous study, deep piety, and commitment to monastic discipline. As a member of the Dominicans, he became a leading figure in the observant reform movement within the order, advocating for a return to the order’s original ideals of poverty, humility, and spiritual rigor. His leadership helped establish the renowned convent of San Marco in Florence, which became a model for reform and religious renewal in the region.
In 1446, Antoninus was appointed Archbishop of Florence, a position he accepted with reluctance, preferring a life of quiet devotion. As archbishop, he was known for his tireless efforts to promote moral reform, often confronting corruption and negligence within the clergy and advocating for the ethical treatment of the poor and marginalized. Antoninus was deeply concerned with social issues, and his works, such as Summa Theologica Moralis, provided practical guidance on moral theology, ethics, and economics, addressing topics from just wages to fair commerce. His writings reflected his compassionate yet rigorous approach to morality, seeking to balance justice with mercy.
Antoninus’s life was marked by personal humility and a profound sense of responsibility to the people of Florence. He founded the Confraternity of St. Martin, a charitable organization that distributed alms and provided assistance to the city’s poor. Known for his integrity and devotion, he became a beloved figure, widely respected by both the citizens and the nobility of Florence. Antoninus died in 1459 and was canonized in 1523. His legacy as a reformer, theologian, and compassionate leader endures, especially in his dedication to charity and social justice within the framework of Christian ethics.
Quotes and Excerpts:
On the Immaculate Conception:
“She was sanctified in her mother’s womb when she was totally cleansed from original sin. In this sanctification, a richer grace was infused in her than in the case of others who were sanctified in the womb, such as John the Baptist and Jeremiah. And it may also be piously believed that she was sanctified earlier than anyone else; but not before the infusion of her soul, because the flesh is not subject to sin or grace, but the soul is. But once the soul was infused, on that same day and hour, even if not at the same moment, she was cleansed from the original sin she had contracted, immediately after it entered her body.” –Summa Theologica Moralis pars 4, tit. IS, c. 3; Patrologia Latina Vol 115, Jacques-Paul Migne
“Among mere creatures, only the Virgin Mary was full of grace, because she could not have a greater grace. For one could not conceive of a greater grace than being united to divinity itself, and this grace she did receive. That is, no greater grace could be conceived than to be the Mother of God, unless she should become God himself.” –Summa Theologica Moralis pars 4, tit. IS, c. 3; Patrologia Latina Vol 115, Jacques-Paul Migne
On Mary Mediatrix:
“She has been made the middle term, or Mediatrix, between God and men, for which reason the Church sings: “Mediatrix of men, washer-away of offenses, forgiveness of sins”, because she obtains these things. And so sinners, who have become rivals and enemies of God by their offenses, should have recourse… to this Mediatrix, in order to be reconciled to God. For just as the lawsuit between God and men is settled by her mediation, in the same way, the cases between men and the devil are ended by her.” –Summa Theologica Moralis pars 4, tit. IS, c. 5; Patrologia Latina Vol 115, Jacques-Paul Migne