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 Saint Antoninus, Bishop of Florence 500th Anniversary of Death Issued: February 29, 1960 Perforation: 14 x 13 1/2 Values: 15L, 25L, 60L, 110L Antoninus of Florence, born Antonio Pierozzi on March 1, 1389, was an Italian Dominican friar who served as Archbishop of Florence in the 15th century. He is venerated on May 2 (a feast day which coincides with that of Saint Athanasius), the anniversary of his death in 1459. Prior to the reordering of the Roman Martyrology in 1969, his feast was celebrated on May 10. Saint Antoninus 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 famous works were printed after his death: Summa Theologica Moralis (printed in 1477) and Summa Confessionalis (printed in 1472). His writings come about 250 years after those of Thomas Aquinas’s, so he was 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.  Statue of Saint Antonino Outside the Uffizi Gallery, Florence Photo by Sailko From Wikimedia Commons, used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license Father Herbert Phinney's Vatican Notes article in the references below describes the inspiration for the stamps shown for the 500th anniversary of the death of Saint Antoninus. The 15 and 60 Lire stamps are taken from a series of statues found in the niches of the facade of the Uffizi Gallery at Florence. Saint Antoninus was so honored because of his position as a saint and theologian. The 25 and 110 Lire stamps provide 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 |
