Blessed Antonio Lucci

Biography

Blessed Antonio Lucci, also known as the "Angel of the Poor," was born on August 2, 1681, in Agnone, Isernia, in the kingdom of Sicily (now modern Italy). He was the son of Francesco Lucci, a cobbler and coppersmith, and Angela Paolantonio. From his early years, Antonio was raised in a devout household and received his education from the Franciscans, which instilled in him a deep devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary.

In his teenage years, Antonio joined the Franciscan Friars Minor Conventuals, making his solemn vows in 1698 and adopting the name Brother Antonio. He pursued his studies in rhetoric, logic, and philosophy at various Franciscan houses in Venafro, Alvito, and Aversa. Antonio then went on to study theology in Agnone and Fasani, where he found great value in the discipline required for rigorous academic pursuits, which helped him overcome his quick temper.

After being ordained as a priest on September 19, 1705, in Assisi, Italy, Antonio proved himself to be a noted theologian, biblical scholar, teacher, and preacher. He earned his Doctor of Theology degree in 1709 and served as a regent and professor at the Franciscan school in Ravello from 1709 to 1712. From 1713 to 1718, he held the same positions at the Franciscan San Lorenzo school in Naples.

In 1718, Antonio became the Franciscan Provincial, a position of leadership within the order. His intellectual prowess and deep understanding of theology led to his appointment as a regent and professor at the College of Saint Bonaventure in Rome from 1719 to 1729. Throughout his career, Antonio also wrote extensively on theology, philosophy, and history.

His profound knowledge and dedication to the Catholic Church caught the attention of Pope Benedict XIII, who requested Antonio to serve as a theological consultant to the Holy Office and the Lateran synod. Additionally, Antonio wrote against Jansenism, a heretical movement, at the request of the Pope.

Despite his already significant contributions to the Church, Antonio's path took a new direction when he was chosen as the reluctant bishop of Bovino, Italy in December 1728. Reluctantly accepting his new role, he was consecrated as a bishop on July 2, 1729, in Saint Peter's Basilica.

As Bishop of Bovino for the remaining 23 years of his life, Antonio became renowned for his acts of charity towards the poor. He gave away most of his personal income and focused on establishing schools and catechism classes for the young and impoverished. In a diocese plagued by political problems and neglect towards the clergy and people, Antonio's dedication to fostering spiritual growth was truly remarkable.

He actively traveled throughout his diocese, working to repair and re-equip churches while enforcing discipline among the clergy, who had become influenced by worldly ways. Antonio raised the standards of the liturgy and revitalized parish life across his episcopal see. He even took the time to visit hermits to ensure their adherence to Church teachings.

Unfortunately, Antonio faced opposition from local lords and princes who had benefited from the lax attitudes prevalent among the clergy and people. These individuals sought control over appointments of clergy and church property. However, Antonio vehemently defended the rights of the poor, the outcast, and the Church. Despite continued pressure to appoint friends and followers to positions, he remained committed to appointing the most qualified candidates.

Throughout his tenure, Antonio successfully restored the Bovino cathedral, which had fallen into disrepair. He also supported a resumption of devotional practices, the promotion of holiness, and the improvement of educational opportunities within his diocese.

Amidst his responsibilities as a bishop, Antonio found the time to write a Manual of Theology, which became a standard textbook for many years. In 1740, he published a book about the saints and beatified individuals from the first 200 years of the Franciscan Conventuals.

Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, a prominent theologian and founder of the Redemptorists, praised Antonio's accomplishments and recognized him as a holy man. Testifying at diocesan hearings, Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani also attested to the sanctity of Blessed Antonio.

On July 25, 1752, Blessed Antonio Lucci passed away in Bovino, Foggia, Italy at the age of 70 due to an extremely high fever. He was buried in the cathedral of Bovino.

Recognizing his virtues and lifelong dedication to the Church, Pope Pius IX declared Antonio's heroic virtues on June 13, 1847. Later, on June 18, 1989, Pope John Paul II beatified him, acknowledging his exemplary life and the impact he made on the faithful.