Blessed Thomas Bellacci

Biography

Blessed Anthony of Stroncone, also known as Anthony Vici or Antonio de Stronconio, was born in 1391 in Stroncone, Umbria, in the Papal States (modern Italy). He came from a devout family, with both his parents being Franciscan tertiaries. Anthony's uncle was Blessed Giovanni Vici of Stroncone, who had a strong influence on his spiritual formation.

At a young age, Anthony felt a calling to join the Franciscan lay brothers and attempted to do so at the age of 12. However, he was advised to wait until he was 14, at which point he was accepted into the order. Throughout his life, Anthony remained deeply committed to his Franciscan vocation, seeking holiness through simplicity, poverty, and selfless service.

Anthony's spiritual journey continued as he became a student of Blessed Thomas Bellacci. In 1411, he was appointed as an assistant novice master in Fiesole, Italy, a role that he fulfilled diligently for nearly ten years, until 1420. During this time, Anthony's dedication and wisdom left a lasting impact on the novices under his care.

After his tenure in Fiesole, Anthony joined forces with Blessed Thomas Bellacci in their efforts to combat the Fraticelli heresy. This heretical movement, which rejected the authority of the Church and emphasized extreme poverty, posed a significant challenge to the Franciscan order. From 1420 to 1425, Anthony worked alongside Blessed Thomas, tirelessly defending and promoting the true teachings of the Church.

In 1428, Anthony turned his attention to spreading the Franciscan charism by founding new Franciscan houses on the island of Corsica. For two years, he dedicated himself to this mission, spreading the message of Christ's love and the spirit of St. Francis throughout the island. His efforts played a crucial role in establishing a solid Franciscan presence in Corsica.

In the later years of his life, Anthony chose to live as a prayerful lay brother and alms beggar at the San Damiano convent in Assisi, Italy. His deep contemplative life and simple devotion to God became an inspiration to all who encountered him.

Blessed Anthony of Stroncone died on February 7, 1461, in Assisi of natural causes. His burial place at the San Damiano convent soon became a site of miracles and supernatural phenomena. In 1462, a flame erupted from the floor over his grave, prompting the authorities to open the grave. They discovered Anthony's body incorrupt, a sign of sanctity. In 1599, the body was re-interred with reverence.

Even after his death, Blessed Anthony's intercession was known to bring about miracles and deliverance from evil. In 1649, a woman possessed by a demon was exorcised in the presence of his body, and witnesses reported that the saintly brother raised a hand in benediction. In recognition of his holiness and the veneration he inspired, Blessed Anthony's beatification took place on June 28, 1687, by Pope Innocent XI, with his cultus (public devotion) confirmed.

Today, the memory of Blessed Anthony of Stroncone is celebrated on February 7, and within the Franciscan order, his feast is also commemorated on February 9. His incorrupt body, a testament to his sanctity, was ultimately re-interred in the church of the Franciscan convent in Stroncone, Italy, on August 21, 1809. Blessed Anthony's life serves as an example of humility, selflessness, and unwavering faith in the service of God and the Church.