The Order of St. Dominic, which has already presented to our Triumphant Jesus Peter the Martyr and Catharine the seraph of Sienna, sends him, today, one of the many Bishops trained and formed in its admirable school. It was in the 15th Century, a period when sanctity was rare on the earth, that Antoninus realized, in his own person, the virtues of the greatest Bishops of ancient times. His apostolic zeal, his deeds of charity, his mortified life, are the glory of the Church of Florence, which was confided to his care. Heaven blessed that illustrious City with temporal prosperity on account of its saintly Archbishop. Cosmas of Medici was frequently heard to say, that Florence owed more to Antoninus than to any other man. The holy prelate was also celebrated for his great learning. He defended the Papacy against the calumnies of certain seditious Bishops in the Council of Basle: and, at the General Council of Florence, he eloquently asserted the truth of the Catholic Faith, which was assailed by the abettors of the Greek Schism. How beautiful is our holy Mother the Church, that produces such children as Antoninus, and has them in readiness to uphold what is true, and withstand what is false!

Antoninus was born at Florence, of respectable parents. He gave great promise, even when quite a child, of his after sanctity. Having at the age of sixteen, entered the Religious Order of Friars Preachers, he at once became an object of admiration, by the practice of the highest virtues. He declared ceaseless war against idleness. After taking a short sleep at night, he was the first at the Office of Matins; which over, he spent the remainder of the night in prayer, or reading, or writing. If at times, he felt himself oppressed with unwelcome sleep, owing to fatigue, he would lean his head, for a while, against the wall, and then, shaking off the drowsiness, he resumed his holy vigils with renewed earnestness.

Being a most rigid observer of Religious discipline, he never ate flesh-meat, save in the case of severe illness. His bed was the ground, or a naked board. He always wore a hair shirt, and sometimes an iron girdle next to his skin. He observed the strictest chastity during his whole life. Such was his prudence in giving counsel, that he went under the name of Antoninus the Counsellor. He so excelled in humility, that, even when Prior and Provincial, he used to fulfill, with the utmost self-abjection, the lowest duties of the Monastery. He was made Archbishop of Florence by Pope Eugenius the Fourth. Great was his reluctance to accept such a dignity: nor would he have consented, had it not been out of fear of incurring the spiritual penalties wherewith he was threatened by the Pope.

It would be difficult to describe the prudence, piety, charity, meekness and apostolic zeal, wherewith he discharged his episcopal office. He learned almost all the sciences to perfection, and, what is surprising, he accomplished this by his own extraordinary talent, without having any master to teach him. Finally, after many labours, and after having published several learned books, he fell sick. Having received the Holy Eucharist and Extreme Unction, embracing the Crucifix, he joyfully welcomed death, on the sixth of the Nones of May (May 10th), in the year 1459. He was illustrious for the miracles which he wrought during his life, as also for those which followed after his death. He was canonized by Adrian the Sixth, in the year of our Lord 1523.

We give thanks to our Risen Jesus for the sublime gifts bestowed by Him on thee, O Antoninus! When He confided a portion of his Flock to thy care, He enriched thee with the qualities of a Shepherd according to His own heart. He knew that He could trust to thy love; He therefore gave thee charge over His Lambs. The age in which thou livedst, was one of great disorder, and one that prepared the way for the scandals of the following Century; and yet thou wast one of the brightest lights the Church has ever had. Florence still cherishes thy memory, as the man of God and the father of thy country; aid her by thy prayers. The preachers of heresy have entered within her walls; watch over the field whereon thine own hands sowed the good seed; let not the cockle take root there. Thou wast the defender of the Holy See; raise up in unhappy Italy, imitators of thy zeal and learning. Thou hadst the happiness of witnessing, under the grand cupola of thy Cathedral, the reunion of the Greek Church with Rome; thou hadst a share in bringing about this solemn reconciliation, which, alas! was to be of short duration. Pray, O holy Pontiff, for the descendants of them that were faithless to the promise sealed on the very Altar, whereon thy hands so often offered up the Sacrifice of unity and peace.

Disciple of the great Dominic, inheritor of his burning zeal, protect the holy order which he founded, and of which thou art so bright an ornament. Show that thou still lovest it. Give it increase, and procure for its children the holiness that once worked such loveliness and fruit in the Church. Holy Pontiff, be mindful of the Faithful, who implore thine intercession at this period of the Year.

Thy eloquent lips announced the Pasch, so many years, to the people of Florence, and urged them to share in the Resurrection of our Divine Head. The same Pasch, the immortal Pasch, has shone once more upon us. We are still celebrating it; oh! pray that its fruits may be lasting in us, and that our Risen Jesus, Who has given us Life, may, by His grace, preserve it in our souls for all eternity.

The celebrated St. Antoninus, Archbishop of Florence, was born in 1389, in the city of that name. He was the only son of very pious parents, and hence was educated with great solicitude. In baptism he received the name of Antony, but on account of the smallness of his stature, he was called Antoninus or little Antony. In childhood he was so pious that he was entitled the little Saint. He never left the house except to go to school or to Church. In the latter he was always found kneeling, generally before the statue of the blessed Virgin, to whom he was deeply devoted, and to whom he ascribes the grace he received from God to lead a pure life. He early desired to enter the Order of the Dominicans, but the prior, on account of his youth and great delicacy of health, hesitated to admit him, yet did not wish to hurt him by a rufusal. He told him, that when he had learned by heart the Ecclesiastical Law, which he studied at that time, he should present himself again, and he would be admitted. After the lapse of a year, Antoninus returned, saying, that he had studied his task and hoped now to receive the habit. The Father Provincial could hardly credit the assertion of Antoninus, examined him, and found that he had indeed spoken the truth and knew the whole Canonical Law by heart. As this was a convincing proof not only of the ability of the youth, but also of his divine vocation, he was gladly received into the Order.

Antoninus soon became a most perfect model of virtue. He was always the first and the last in the choir, and passed the greater part of the night in prayer and devout reading, only when sick did he partake of meat. His bed was a board, and not until he was far advanced in years did he sleep upon a straw mattress. He never divested himself of his garment of hair cloth, and although his constitution was weak and sickly, he never relaxed in his austerity towards himself, not even when he had become Archbishop. While still very young, he was appointed, on account of his great ability and virtues, Prior of monasteries, and later he presided over the Roman and Neapolitan Provinces as provincial, until he was chosen by the Pope Archbishop of Florence. The Saint was deeply grieved when he heard the news, and seeking to flee, he was and taken to Sienna. He used all possible means to avoid this dignity, but he was obliged to obey, as the Pope threatened him with excommunication. Hence it was with weeping eyes that he received the Episcopal consecration; praying to God: "Lord, it is known to thee how unwillingly I take this burden upon myself. As I am, however, compelled to obey Thy Vicar, I pray Thee to rule me also, that I may conform my life to Thy holy will, and do all that Thou demandest of me." He commenced his new functions by the regulation of his residence, which wore the appearance of a cloister rather than that of the palace of a bishop. His household consisted of eight persons, to whom he gave large salaries, while he himself lived no better than he had done in the convent; No mendicant was sent from his door without alms, and he also founded an institution where those might receive aid who were ashamed to beg. His private income he used for the indigent, as he said that it did not belong to him but to the poor.

One day, walking through the city, he saw many angels upon the roof of a poor little house. Going into it, he found a respectable widow with three daughters, who lived by the labor of their hands, but who earned scarcely enough to clothe themselves decently and who often had nothing to eat. The Saint not only gave them liberal alms, but thereafter came frequently to their relief. It happened however, that after a considerable time the Saint, when passing the same house, instead of angels, saw devils upon the roof, who seemed to enjoy themselves greatly. He went in and saw mother and daughters not occupied with works, but with visitors and frivolous amusements. He likewise found divers books which served to entertain them. The Saint, from this, easily concluded what the apparition signified. He reprimanded them severely, and admonishing them to return to their former industry, was in future, more circuмspect in distributing his charities. Kind as the holy bishop was to the poor, he was also watchful and unwearied in the duties which his functions imposed upon him. Every moment left to him from his prayers and his short rest he devoted to them. He preached sometimes in one place, sometimes in another; and suffered no irreverence, no indecorously arrayed women in the church. Many prevailing abuses, among others playing at dice, he abolished altogether. He lent a most patient ear to the complaints and demands of those under him. Every one had access to him, and no one left him uncomforted. His zeal to keep his flock constant in their faith was truly heroic. He was one day exhorted to relax somewhat in his labors lest his health should suffer. "Prelates of the Church," replied he; "must not think of themselves but of the welfare of those in their charge."

Being at length exhausted from work, he was seized by a slow fever in the 70th year of his age. Feeling that his end was approaching he divided all he had among the poor, so that when the expenses of his funeral were paid, four ducats were all that was left. Having most devoutly received the holy sacraments, he suddenly cried aloud: "To serve God is to reign." Some of the Canons read a part of the daily prayers of the Church, and the Saint responded as well as he could. At length, kissing and pressing the image of the crucified Christ most fervently to his breast, he expired on the night of Ascension Day, in the year of our Lord 1459. The Almighty had bestowed upon him the gift of prophecy and also the power to restore the sick, and to cleanse man and dwellings from evil spirits. To a surgeon, who one day complained to him that his house was greatly disturbed by evil spirits, the Saint replied that a certain superstitious book which he kept was the cause of it, and advised him to burn it; this was done and all disturbance ceased. Pope Pius II., who was in Florence at the time of the Saint's death, attended his funeral and Nicholas V. hesitated not to say that he believed St. Antoninus had as well deserved to be counted among the Saints during his life, as others whom he had solemnly canonized after their dealth: so great was the estimation in which the bishop was held while he lived.

St. Antoninus allowed no irreverence, no indecorously dressed women in Church. In both these points he acted rightly; for those who are disrespectful in Church, and those who go there immodestly dressed, give evidence that they either do not believe in the God who is present there, or that, instead of reverencing his supreme Majesty, they rather despise him. As far as the first point is concerned, Christian reader, I exhort you to think whither you are going, before whom you will appear, and why you are going, when you enter a Church. Understand it well. You are entering the house of the Great God. You, as a miserable sinner, appear before God as before your Judge. You, as a poor, needy beggar, appear before God, as before the richest and most liberal of all monarchs. You, as a being created to serve God, appear before Him as before your Lord, who is at the same time, Ruler of heaven and earth. You, as a servant, desire to honor your Master, to ask for His graces as an alms, and to beg that your misdeeds may be forgiven.

In regard to the second point, may all those whom it concerns be assured that they commit great sin way by their frivolous way of dressing themselves. They give occasion to offences against the Majesty of God, in the very place where everyone ought to honor Him with all the power of his soul. How great a wickedness! Even dresses which are not indecorous, but too elaborate, are not suitable for a human being who appears before God, as a miserable sinner before his judge, or a poor beggar before a great Lord. Listen to what St. Chrysostom said to a vainly dressed woman: "What! are you going to dance in church, and to present yourself before the eyes of men, or to pray God to forgive your sins, and to appease the wrath of your Judge? What need have you to dress yourself so frivolously and with such care? Those are not garments for a beggar," for one who prays for grace and pardon. "How can you seriously repent of your sins, or pray with devotion, if you appear in such an array? Even if you should shed tears during your prayers, you would rather incite others to laughter than edify them. Away with such indecent ornaments."

Have you observed in the life of St. Antoninus, where the evil spirits delight to dwell, and with what persons they enjoy themselves? In those houses, where people amuse themselves by reading frivolous, immoral, superstitious, slanderous or other wicked books; where they entertain themselves with sinful gambling and idle company, with laughing and jesting, with impure conversations and songs, or with other such like entertainments; with those who waste the priceless time in the above-named loose manner, there Evil Spirits delight to dwell, there they enjoy themselves. On the contrary, the holy angels love to dwell with those who avail all such things, who occupy themselves according to their station, and who live a pure life. Judge now, whether the evil spirits or the holy angels visit you and your house. If you have a forbidden book in your house, throw it into the fire. Are you addicted to gaming and entertaining vain company; do you spend your time in idleness or unchaste conversations? Reform; otherwise you may rest assured that you prepare a pleasure for the devil. Evil spirits are with you and around you. Endeavor to work according to your station, and to avoid the above-mentioned errors, and you will prepare a joy for the angels: they are with you, and will assist you in your need. "The angels and archangels delight in our industry and our work," says St. Ephrem, "as the devils, on the contrary, rejoice on perceiving that we are indolent and lazy."

Jesu, the world's Redeemer, hear;
 Thy Bishop's fadeless crown, draw near:
 Accept with gentlest love today
 The prayers and praises that we pay.

The meek Confessor of Thy name
 Today attained a glorious fame:
 Whose yearly feast, in solemn state,
 Thy faithful people celebrate.

The world and all its boasted good,
 As vain and passing, he eschewed;
 And therefore with angelic bands,
 In endless joy forever stands.

Grant then that we, most gracious God,
 May follow in the steps he trod:
 And, at his prayer, thy servants free
 From stain of all iniquity.

To thee, O Christ, our loving King,
 All glory, praise, and thanks we bring:
 All glory, as is ever meet,
 To Father and to Paraclete. Amen

Whoever imagines himself without defect has an excess of pride. God alone is perfect.--St. Antoninus.



 Often read spiritual books; then, like a sheep, ruminate the food thou hast taken, by meditation and a desire to practise the holy doctrine found therein.--St. Antoninus.



 Antoninus says, that the prayers of Mary have the force of command with Jesus Christ. Hence he concludes, that it is impossible for the Son not to grant a grace for which tie Mother asks.

 St. Antoninus says that "To ask favors without interposing Mary is to attempt to fly without wings."

Two fresh Martyrs ascend from our earth on this day, and are admitted to share of Jesus' glory. Again it is Rome that deputes them to bear her homage to the Conqueror of Death. Gordian was one of the magistrates, under Julian the Apostate, who were commissioned to persecute the Christians. One day, whilst exercising his office, he suddenly descended from the tribunal, and took his place among the criminals. He was soon called upon to shed his blood for the Faith. His martyrdom, together with that of the illustrious brothers, John and Paul, whose feast we shall keep in June, closes the period of the Pagan Persecutions in the West. The fact of his being buried in the Crypts on the Latin Way awakened the memory of another Martyr, whose Relics, half consumed by fire, had long before been brought thither from Alexandria. His name was Epimachus; and, on this day, the two Martyrs were united inseparably in the devotion of the Faithful. Neither the place nor the period of their combat was the same; but both of them fought for the one cause, and won the same victory. The two Conquerors are buried in Peace in the Eternal City; but He, for whose name they delivered their bodies to death, is mindful of their precious remains. Yet a little while, and he will fulfill, in their regard, the promise He made, when he said: I am the Resurrection and the Life. He that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live (St. John xi. 25).

During the reign of Julian the Apostate, Januarius, a Priest, was brought before Gordian, a judge, that he might be condemned: but Gordian, after receiving instructions concerning the Christian Faith from this same Priest, was baptized by him at Rome, together with his wife, and fifty-three other members of his family. Whereupon the Prefect, having sent Januarius into exile, ordered his deputy Clementianus to imprison Gordian. The deputy, after some time, had Gordian led in chains before his tribunal, and sought to induce him to deny the Faith: but, failing in his attempt, he ordered him to be first scourged with whips laden with plummets of lead, and then beheaded. His body was exposed before the temple of Apollo, that it might be devoured by dogs; but, during the night, the Christians took it, and buried it on the Latin Way, in the same Crypt wherein had previously been laid the relics of the holy Martyr Epimachus, when brought from Alexandria; in which city he had endured a long imprisonment for the Christian Faith, and was finally crowned with martyrdom by being burned to death.

Sleep your sleep of Peace, O holy Martyrs! Rest yet a little time, till your fellow-servants and brethren, who are to be slain, even as you, shall be filled up (Apoc. vi. II). The number has been added to in every century; but the world is now near its end, and its last period is to be rich in Martyrdom. When the reign of the Man of Sin (II. Thess. ii. 3) begins its course, and the final tempest rages against the bark of holy Church, then, O Martyrs of Christ, protect the Christian people, in return for the yearly tribute of honour that it has paid to your venerable names. Pray also for us, who are living during these sad times, whose miseries seem like the distant howling of the storm that is to precede the end of the world. Strengthen our hearts, O holy Martyrs! and whatever may be the lot prepared for us by Providence, obtain for us, that we may be faithful to Him, Who would be to us, what He has been to you, the Resurrection and the Life. (St. John xi. 25).