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Saint Antoninus, Bishop of Florence 500th Anniversary of Death Issued: 2/29/1960 Perforation: 14 x 13 1/2 Values: 15L, 25L, 60L, 110L Saint Antoninus (1389 – 1459) was a brilliant and compassionate man. He had many talents: theologian, Dominican archbishop, historian, counselor, confessor, economist, ethicist, and reformer. Mostly importantly, he was an advocate for the poor and sick. At an early age, he showed signs of his many talents, and over time was placed in charge of a number of Dominican houses throughout Italy. His major task was to restate original Dominican Rules in each of the houses. Antoninus was known for his theological learning and assisted as a papal theologian at the Council of Florence. His most known works are Summa Theologica Moralis (printed in 1477) and Summa Confessionalis (printed in 1472). His writings come about 250 years after Thomas Aquinas’s writing, so he was a considered the most famous modern theologian of the 15th Century. His specialty was analyzing matters of conscience with great care and patience. But, when he knew where the truth was, he was unwavering in this resolve to have virtue prevail. He also wrote books for the spiritual development of the clergy and the laity. Parts of his moral theological works involved economics and the use of wealth. Saint Antoninus was consecrated Archbishop of Florence on March 13, 1446. He carried out his duties with vigor and humility, but he shrugged off the trappings of clericalism. As a Bishop, his lived as a poor man giving example to the importance of thinking about and giving to the poor. From Rev. H. A. Phinney's write up (see reference below): On the 15 and 60 Lire stamps is a picture of the saint taken from a series of statues found in the niches of the facade of the Uffici Gallery at Florence. Saint Antoninus was so honored because of his position as a saint and theologian. On the 25 and 110 Lire stamps we see a representation of St. Antoninus preaching from a pulpit. References: Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 269-272 Date Issued - 29 February 1960 Face Value - 15 l, 25 l, 60 l, 110 l Perforations - 13x14 Printer - The Italian State Printing Works |
